Good Bodies

Hey, Body?

I just wanted to let you know: you are good.

I know we’ve struggled a bit lately.  Okay.  A lot, I suppose.  It’s just…I’m not used to this.  When I look in the mirror, you’re bigger now.

You’ve widened in more than a few places.  I get it.  You’ve grown two babies. But when you fit nicely into a size 0 - 2 until age 25, it’s just hard.  It seems like overnight you moved yourself right on up to at least a six, but an 8 gives you room to breathe.  When I pull out my dresser drawers, I find a pair of pants that are a size 11.

I’ve come to terms with that, though.  Granted, it took a long time, and I’ve battled the thoughts that if I would just work out more or eat healthier or… or… or… If I could just lose weight...  But, Body, you fit me so well, and in getting used to your new shape, I’ve learned more than a few things.

In a woman’s clothing world, those numbers are arbitrary. You’ve learned to enjoy your tacos and chocolate, but you’ve also learned how to care for yourself.  A twinkie here and there isn’t going to kill you, but maybe eat a salad, too.  Dr. Pepper is life, but water can be refreshing, like a reset.  You’ve learned that if you look good, you feel good, but looking good doesn’t mean tiny bikinis and shorty shorts for you.  It means clothing that fits well, feels good, and make you feel beautiful.  Or comfortable.  Or both.

Those stretch marks, freckles, and wrinkles?  They tell stories:

The birth of a miracle baby and the way God made you to help sustain a growing life.

The enjoyment of the sun on your skin and the memories made in inflatable pools with toddler giggles.

The safety and comfort of a place for that sweet baby boy to rest, and pinch, and bite.

The wisdom that was hard earned in the midst of worry and the joy that was experienced with a deep belly laugh when my husband tells the corniest “dad” joke of all time.

The way you melt into my husband like he’s home when he squeezes you tight after a long day.

You’ve gotten comfortable, and I’ve gotten better pants. 

Your expansion doesn’t mean you’ve failed in some way - even though I initially thought you were failing me.  It means you’ve grown to reflect the story of me.  It means you’ve become a reflection of the goodness of God, His faithfulness, and His provision.

Your growth and change is just how God designed you.  Your growth and change? It means life.