Whole: Encouragement for Wholeness of Life

WHOLENESS OF LIFE

 

What does it mean to be a well-rounded, whole person? I’m sure I don’t have all the answers, but in my opinion it includes a relationship with God. He is the one who created us, so who better knows what we need to thrive. 

Acts 17:24-28a (CSB)

The God who made the world and everything in it—he is Lord of heaven and earth—does not live in shrines made by hands. Neither is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives everyone life and breath and all things. 

From one man he has made every nationality to live over the whole earth and has determined their appointed times and the boundaries of where they live.He did this so that they might seek God, and perhaps they might reach out and find him, though he is not far from each one of us.

For in him we live and move and have our being, as even some of your own poets have said, ‘For we are also his offspring.’

 

For in him we live and move and have our being, as even some of your own poets have said, ‘For we are also his offspring.’

 

As I reflect on what is important in my life, and what contributes to being whole, I want to cultivate and demonstrate these attributes:

• Awareness
• Contentment
• Beauty
• Depth
• Peace

 

This is an art journal page from 2014. I don’t remember the exact prompt, but it was something about five areas we want to develop in our lives.

 

 

HEALTH AND BEAUTY

 

Eating healthily is one of my goals, and for the most part I do as best I can. People have different ideas of what is healthy, and some times they differ.  So I try to eat mostly healthy, but sometimes I splurge on that hot fudge sundae and enjoy it. It’s just not an every day occurrence.

 

God also loves beauty as shown by creation. 

 

He called for much beauty when He gave directions for the tabernacle during the time of Moses. It was beautiful and massive, but also portable. They had to dismantle it whenever they moved on to another place in their travels through the wilderness. God’s Presence guided them in the form of a pillar of fire at night and a pillar of cloud during the day. That must have been magnificent to see.

 

 

Other areas need my attention, too. I want to cultivate my relationship with God, because He is the one who gives me strength and wisdom. He is a God of love and love is something we need aplenty. We show love to others as we share of our own lives.

Galatians 5:13-15 (CSB)

For you were called to be free, brothers and sisters; only don’t use this freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but serve one another through love. For the whole law is fulfilled in one statement: Love your neighbor as yourself. But if you bite and devour one another, watch out, or you will be consumed by one another.

 

CREATIVITY, MUSIC AND ART FOR THE WHOLE PERSON

 

Along with creativity, love and awareness of beauty, I believe music and art contribute to the whole person.

 

Listening to music or making it myself often helps me relax and puts me in a mood to praise God. Reading the Bible and praying helps me discern the path I should follow. There is much freedom to pursue my interests and dreams as I yield my life to God and follow His leading. 

 

 

GOD PROVIDES AND MAKES US WHOLE

 

God is unlike any other. He is the Creator who deserves our praise.

 

Some people may argue that, but maybe they have not discovered what a wonderful God He is. He directs my life in so many ways, I couldn’t begin to count them. His provision throughout the years has sustained our family.

 

When our first child was born my husband, who was a teacher, did not get paid as often as he should have. The school had little money, but through the generosity of God’s people, we were given more than enough. Another time my husband was unemployed for the better part of two years. He did collect unemployment, but that was not always sufficient. Again God’s people came through and helped us out. Time and again He has provided in ways we could not have expected.

 

Psalm 16:5-9 (CSB)

Lord, you are my portion
and my cup of blessing;
you hold my future.
The boundary lines have fallen for me
in pleasant places;
indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.

I will bless the Lord who counsels me—
even at night when my thoughts trouble me.
I always let the Lord guide me.
Because he is at my right hand,
I will not be shaken.

Therefore my heart is glad
and my whole being rejoices;
my body also rests securely.

 

Another way I grow and develop into a person who is whole is to get rest,  love what is good and to learn from those who have gone before.

 

 

1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 (CSB)

Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely. And may your whole spirit, soul, and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will do it.

 

What about you? Do you have suggestions or practices that help you develop your whole person?

 

To read the other posts in this series click on: 31 Days of Encouragement.  

 

This is Day 27 of the Five Minute Friday 31 Days of Free Writes. The word prompt is whole.

 

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