Love, Klarissa

Countdown: Otto

Earlier today, I went a couple houses down to do a one hour trial run to see how well I can take care of Arisaya and my neighbor’s 2 month old named Owen (for the past month or so I have been taking care of my 5 month old niece while my brother and sister-in-law transition back to work. I will do so until probably December).

First, Arisaya sat in her bumbo chair as I carried Owen. When she started getting restless, I put Owen in his swing and I transferred Arisaya to a blanket on the floor so she could roll around. Once Owen started crying, I realized I had to change his diaper. After changing him, he calmly laid on the changing pad while I rocked Arisaya to sleep. Once she fell asleep, I put her in the swing. I then rocked him asleep and put him in his rocker. Though my arms were sore and I was sweating bullets, I’ll always remember that precious moment of them both peacefully snoozing.

My first thought when walking home afterward? “My body is stronger than I thought it was.”

My second thought? “It’s tough to carry one baby all day, none the less two of them for one hour!”

My third thought? “Ah, I understand more than ever what part of the first reading of today meant.”

Do not yield your members to sin as instruments of wickedness, but yield yourselves to God as men who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments of righteousness. Romans 6:13

The word “members” in this verse is referring to our bodies. Sometimes society feeds us lies that our bodies are just objects instead of subjects (one night stands), that they are just bodies instead of somebody (inhumanity), that they are idols to be worshiped and glorified (celebrities). When dirty and always out of tune, our bodily instruments make sounds that even the tone deaf have trouble listening to. Sadly though, we often get used to the sounds and believe that they are “normal”.

Our bodies are spiritual and physical manifestations of God’s image and likeness. They are like sacraments; things that make our invisible God visible through the physical (physically carrying Owen, because God spiritually carries me). They are like icons; pointing everyone and everything to Christ (loving Arisaya, because Christ taught me what love is). When cleaned and tuned regularly, our bodily instruments make the most beautiful and heavenly sound. Naturally, our favorite song for our bodies to play is “Righteousness”. Trust me, no matter how many dents our instruments have, we all have the potential to play that #1 top hit.

My fourth thought? “My body is stronger because of God’s grace.”

My fifth thought? “Love isn’t always an easy language to communicate with our bodies. It takes self-sacrifice and commitment on all levels.”

My sixth thought? “Praise and thank You.”