What does it mean when the body gives something back that you didn’t realize you were missing?

This week we’ve been talking about the body. Even when I didn’t mention it directly, the body has been woven through the message. After all, we don’t just think our way through life, we experience it through the body.

And recently, I got my voice back.

I am now the announcer for my sons Lacrosse Team at his schools home games. I fell in love with the game last year during my sons Freshman year on the team. Senior parents that held several positions moved on as their boys graduated and went off to college. That left open positions available, and suddenly I found myself agreeing to call the game.

Talk about having to crash course. Talk about learning the names with the numbers. Talk about having to really learn the calls from the refs.

Our vocal cords are part of our body. They are small, often unnoticed, but they carry something powerful – our words, our thoughts, and sometimes even our courage. When the voice disappears, you suddenly realize how much of yourself travels through it.

Sometimes the body tells us what we have to do. Hunger, exhaustion, illness, or even the loss of a voice can force us to stop and listen.

• Sometimes our bodies tell us what we have to do – they reveal limits and truth.
• Sometimes we must discipline ourselves to give the body what it needs – rest, nourishment, healing, silence.
• Sometimes we must discipline ourselves in what the body wants – directing desire so it serves something greater.

In the life of Jesus, the body was never ignored and never allowed to rule. Instead, it became an instrument aligned with purpose.

Jesus experienced this reality as well. He became tired, hungry, and physically worn. He also showed us something deeper:

Discipline over the body.

There were moments when Jesus chose silence rather than defense, such as during His trial. His body could have pushed Him to react, argue, or protect Himself, yet He restrained His voice. That restraint shows the discipline of giving the body what it needs:

Sometimes rest, Sometimes silence, Sometimes surrender.

Have a FUN FRIDAY! Everyone – as your body CALLS OUT to you this weekend.