Bodies . . .
We (my mother in law, husband, Haris, and I) went to The Body Exhibit. So, yes that picture is of real people that decided to donate their bodies for plastination, so that we could learn more about our own bodies, but I think they’re teaching a bit more.
I had seen the banners on lamp posts for weeks. Derrick mentioned he wanted to go, I said sure, “Lets go.” I had no idea that the body exhibit was of real bodies, I thought they were models. I learned this detail when reading a huge sign as I first walked into the exhibit!!!!! Ummmm, do WHAT?!
So the whole time my eyes were wide open and their eyes were looking back. I could see all the muscles and details, but WHO WERE THEY? I was beyond curious, still am, but their identities are anonymous. I suppose at some point almost all of us become anonymous, and if remembered, it’s more likely the stories of what we did, not who we were. Unless who we are, is what we do, but I think we’re much more, and even if we are rendered anonymous in the future, it won’t matter to the dead.
I googled quite a bit after leaving the exhibit, because I still wanted to know who they were. Googling led me to the controversy about the exhibit. I can see why some people would object, it’s counter cultural to have the dead mingling with the living so closely and for so long. We prefer to be separated by the ground, above and below, but seeing these dead people cautioned and convicted me to be sure to live.
We all know we’re going to die. But knowing and believing are two different things. I prefer not to think about it; however, I must not forget about it and I must not take living for granted.
I heard their silent question, “What are you doing with your time?” Immediately, I felt conviction, guilt, and pressure.
“Until you value yourself, you won’t value your time. Until you value your time, you won’t do anything with it.” – M. Scott Peck
Some of us we know what we’re suppose to be doing and we’re allowing fear, excuses, etc., to get in the way, and for others, we know we’re suppose to be doing something but aren’t sure what (this could be your excuse to avoid what you should be doing). If it’s not an excuse, find it, discover it. We’re all here for a reason. Maybe it’s to be an awesome father, a loving wife, a person that spreads joy by being joyful, maybe it’s to write a symphony . . . don’t let the small stuff get in the way or take up too much time.
There was an elderly man hunched over, a pregnant woman, young men playing football, a ballerina hoisted in the air by her dance partner, and many people. I’m not sure if any of them knew when they were going to pass that short distance from life to death. We take some many breaths, in and out, short, deep, shallow, quick, long, slow. . . make them count.
The future is for those not yet born, the present is for us, may we all build well, so that they may stand, and run. Most importantly, love and live!
“So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.” – Psalm 90:12
“Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.” – Proverbs 27:1
“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” – Psalm 16:11
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” – John 10:10
““Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” – Matthew 6:34
“If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God’s secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn’t love others, I would be nothing.” – 1 Corinthians 13:2