In order to read this post right now, you’ve gotten out of bed today, clicked on your computer or phone and pulled up this page, and your eyes have focused enough to see what’s here.
Things that seem so ordinary…But the intricacy of those movements is nothing short of a miracle.
In my health and fitness learning, the thing that always strikes me is how intricately we are made. The way God designed our bodies truly is miraculous and it’s something only HE could do. What creativity!
To showcase His handiwork, I thought I’d share a few facts. (I figure some of you may have forgotten these since 10th grade biology like I did.) 🙂
– The skeleton consists of 206 bones. Our bones work together with muscles and joints to allow movement. (Think of all the tiny joints and muscles that work together just so you can type a sentence.)
– Our body adapts to different forms of exertion, giving us the exact fuel we need for short bursts of energy or long stretches of exercise.
– The heart is a four-chambered organ that collects blood from the body, sends it to the lungs for oxygenation, then pumps it throughout the body.
– Water accounts for about 60% of our body weight, and it helps regulate our body temperatures and carry nutrients to cells.
– 60% of our muscle make-up is involuntary, meaning it adapts to the needs of the heart and aids in digestion and blood flow without us even thinking about it.
I don’t know about you, but these things remind me to thank my Creator. Whenever I criticize something about the way I’m designed, I’m criticizing HIM. And the miracle of this vessel He’s entrusted to me…I don’t want to let it go to waste.
What about you? Did any of these facts surprise you or interest you? What takeaways come to mind when you think of your intricate design?
*flower photo by Twigy Posts; athlete photo by lzf/BigStock.com
The involuntary muscle thing blows my mind…I don’t often stop to ponder what happens in me without my conscious thought process ordering it, but when I do, I’m blown away. God is amazing!
I agree, Bekah. Our bodies definitely weren’t formed by chance.
I’m always fascinated by the way our bodies work. Did you know that babies don’t clot their blood well until the 8th day, when it’s the highest? Why’s that a big deal? Because it was the 8th day that God required Jewish baby boys to be circumcised. I love that He knows our bodies so well…because he created them! Fascinating post today, Sarah! Love it!
Oh wow, Jessica, what a cool fact. That gave me chills. 🙂
I’m blown away by how scabs heal and the way the brain recuperates after injuries.
I love emotion and perception…wow, this list could go on. Appreciative, yes I am.
~ Wendy
Yep, scabs and wounds and burns…the way the skin heals itself…amazing! I agree, Wendy. 🙂
I’m truly amazed at how perfectly God designed our bodies to work, Sarah. And when a family has a brush with impending death or illness, we realize only too well how our Great Physician has it all under control!
Oh, love the water fact. No wonder I slosh when I walk! 🙂
You’re right, Cynthia. There’s only one Physician who knows every single nuance of our bodies.
I am amazed at the wonders of creation – from our bodies to the world around us. We are so blessed!
Have a great weekend!
So true, Karen. It goes way beyond our little spheres, doesn’t it?
I love the idea that we are fearfully and wonderfully made, knit in our mother’s womb for a purpose. And I also love that our daily survival is based on things we don’t have to think about, like breathing and a beating heart. Cool facts, Sarah! And way to go on getting certified, girl!
That Psalm you referenced is one of my favorites, Lindsay. It got me through some hard medical times, remembering that God knit me together.
That last one is crazy. Can you imagine how little brainpower we’d have for anything else if we had to think about every muscle movement? “Okay, finger, type this letter then that letter…eyes, it’s time to blink now…lungs, make sure you’re inhaling and exhaling…” 🙂
God’s creativity amazes me.
LOL, Melissa, Good point! My brain was tired just thinking about what you wrote. 🙂
Wow, God is an awesome creator! Thanks for the reminder, Sarah!
I find it amazing how every single part of our body works together to accomplish every day tasks–many we don’t even have to think about. So very neat.
And especially for a runner like you, Heidi…How he allows your body to train and adapt to increased demands. Isn’t it amazing?
I was marveling just the other day about our ability to stand and move the way we do. When I look at a skeleton, it seems like it should just crumple, but it doesn’t. It’s designed in such a way that it can support us. Don’t know why I was struck by this. Perhaps because I’ve been taking better care of my body the last few months and becoming more aware of it.
You come from such a unique perspective, Keli. I recently studied the chapter talking about osteoporosis and how strength training and exercise really does strengthen the bone. It’s a marvel indeed!
It is so amazing how our God built our bodies to work. Not one is the same. I find it amazing how our bodies adapt to different stresses or strains.
I love what you said about strains, Loree. Injuries are our body’s way of telling us something’s not right.
Way to go on pursuing your fitness instructor certification, Sarah! And no, I don’t normally ponder how intricately we’re made, but the second something goes wrong and I start to feel sick, I realize how much I enjoy my good health without ever even thinking of it.
I know what you mean about getting sick, Naomi! I think it’s one way of many that our bodies force us to rest sometimes. 🙂
Brava for pursuing your certification!! Impressive, Sarah!
Thanks, Beth! Impressive or crazy, I’m not sure which. 🙂
Hi Sarah –
What comes to mind? We are fearfully and wonderfully made. There’s no way this could happen by accident.
Blessings,
Susan 🙂
You’re right, Susan. We most definitely are not accidents. 🙂
congrats on getting closer to your goal of being a CFI!!! is there any particular fitness medium that you want to focus on? aerobics? zumba? just curious…..is that even how it works? do you specialize? i have no idea! but congrats anyway. 🙂
Thanks, Jeannie! My certification will allow me to teach general aerobics classes and boot-camp type classes. I’m really hoping to teach cardio kickboxing…That’s one of my favorites! Classes like Zumba, Pilates, and yoga all require extra certification. Maybe I’ll go for those someday, but probably not for now.