My Most Important Tool

Today I read something that I really had to stop and think about. I am still processing it, but I have a feeling it will be something that lingers, and possibly revolutionizes the way I see myself, physically, now after becoming a mama.

I've never really been one to struggle too much with my self-image...until pregnancy and post-partum. It's like every day I look at myself in the mirror and think, "this is not my body." But, it is. It's just not the body I remember having. It's like I expect to wake up one day and all the sudden my body has returned to it's prime condition. I know, I'm crazy. And then I remember...my body, this body, created and grew a human being--a person. And then fed that human for six whole months, all by itself. And then suddenly I give myself permission to "look like this."

So today I was encouraged when I encountered a very different and helpful perspective on this. Mamas out there, read this and be encouraged. Here is what I read:
"Motherhood is a demanding job. It is so demanding and intrusive, in fact, that it takes over your body. It uses your body, oftentimes rather roughly..."
"First of all, our bodies are tools, not treasures. You should not spend your days trying to preserve your body in its eighteen-year-old form. Let it be used."
"We should not be trying to fix it up to put it back on the shelf out of harm's way or to try to make ourselves look like nothing ever happened...Scars and stretch marks and muffin tops are all part of your kingdom work. One of the greatest testimonies Christian women can have in our world today is the testimony of joyfully giving your body to another...Carry the scars joyfully as you carry the fruit of them." (Excerpts from Loving the Little Years by Rachel Jankovic)

My body is a tool. Of course. Tools get used, and well used tools look worn. My body is also the temple of the Holy Spirit. So, as I use it, I must maintain it and care for it. Let me also mention, the writer quoted above went on to speak of maintaining and caring for your body as well (losing the appropriate weight, eating well, etc.) She's not just saying, "wear your sweatpants all day and let yourself go--it's okay." In fact she says, "Maintain it (your body). Having sacrificed your body for your children is no excuse for schlepping around in sweatpants for the rest of their childhood."

So, mamas of all stages (5 days post-partum or 8 years post-last-child), be encouraged. Wear your scars proudly, but keep working hard to maintain the one and only tool given to you by the One who knows exactly what you need and what it needs to look like!