Stretch marks, age spots, bits of our body that seem to have ‘moved’. Even if we had a great teenage body, our body will show the signs of ageing eventually. Sometimes it’s hard to accept we should think of ourselves as God’s creation, made by him for a remarkable purpose: to do the good things he planned for us long ago. I don’t always feel like a careful creation!

Scholars have described the Mona Lisa as ‘in good condition for her age.’ (She’s about 500 years old!) What does that mean for us? When we look at our bodies, are we OK with what we see, or are we comparing with someone else (or our younger body?)

My body has stretch marks from four babies and lots of scars from multiple surgeries. I’ve come to accept that those lines tell my story. My wonderful, spectacular purpose-filled story of the things God planned for me.

Question:
Have you ever thought of yourself as carefully crafted by God? He does.

Prayer:
Lord, I’m no Mona Lisa, but help me to remember that you only see the new person I am, created in Christ, and you choose me, scars and all. Help me to see the good things you have created me to do. Amen.