September 12, 2015

Ear Rocks

1 Corinthians 12:18-25

Those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable.

—  1 Corinthians 12:22

After taking a blow to my head, I began experiencing vertigo when I lay down and when I sat up. For over five weeks, ­every evening and morning I felt as if my head were spinning. Eventually I went to my doctor, who told me that my ear rocks were out of place. I didn’t even know I had ear rocks, which are also called otoconia.

To put them back in place, a physical therapist turned my head this way and that. For 24 hours after therapy, I had to keep my head upright, even while I slept, so that my ear rocks would stay in place. My vertigo went away, and I praise God for that!

I have a new appreciation for my ear rocks; they are tiny, indispensable wonders.

Who are the “ear rocks” in your church? The boy with severe disabilities? The old woman confined to her home? The very shy man? The woman with tattoos on her arms, neck, and legs? They may seem weaker, but they are indispensable. Maybe you feel worthless, thinking you contribute nothing worthwhile to the church’s life. You too are indispensable.

Even when we don’t know what contribution someone makes to the life of the church, God knows. “God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be.” Each of us is indispensable.

God, thank you for my ear rocks and for every person in my church, including me. Help me to appreciate each one, for we all are indispensable. For Jesus’ sake, Amen.

About the author — Mark Stephenson

Rev. Mark Stephenson is the Director of Disability Concerns for the Christian Reformed Church in North America. Previously he served in two congregations in Michigan. He and his wife have four children.

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