Experiencing 1 Corinthians 12

I’ve read it on my own, taught it to students, and preached on it many times. 1 Corinthians 12 is all about the body and the necessity of all the parts. It speaks of the difficulty to function, even if only one part is misfiring. I always understood it, but for the past week (and next couple of months) I am living it.

On Tuesday, my left thumb was accidentally slammed in a sliding van door. I’ll spare you the details, but lots of blood and repair work occurred (and proudly no screaming) in the emergency room of a hospital in Oakland. One important detail that you need to know is that I’m left-handed.

Upon returning to my hotel room that night, I went to take out my contacts. I’ve been reaching into my eye and removing this little piece of plastic for 30 years, so it is pretty quick, easy, and I don’t even really have to think about it. Some nights I find myself in bed and don’t even remember taking them out. Not this time. You see, I have always used my left thumb and forefinger to remove them. So I stood there in front of the mirror struggling for about 20 minutes trying to get them out using my other hand.

The next morning, I stepped into the shower (left hand wrapped so as not to get it wet) and quickly realized that it would be difficult, if not impossible, to wash my right arm and armpit. And I struggled to brush my teeth with my right hand. Ever tried flossing with one hand? Then I couldn’t keep the food on my fork as I would bring it to my mouth (again, using my right hand). Mind you, I did not do all of the said activities in the shower.

I made a purchase and couldn’t match the signature on the back of my credit card for the life of me. Of course, this is after I struggled to get my wallet out of my left back pocket and kept the line waiting. Asking someone to take your wallet out of your pocket while in line at Target is apparently not acceptable and frowned upon.

I now appreciate my thumb in ways which I never did before. The appendage which I previously thought of only when talking about hitchhiking, is now one of my MVP’s. I can’t wait for him to get off the disabled list and make his triumphant return (hopefully in time for the playoffs).

Over time, I’m sure I could make the adjustment and function without it. I have many friends who impress me greatly by overcoming difficulties and disabilities in their lives. But for me, this is a new experience.

So, the next time you or I feel insignificant, let’s read 1 Corinthians 12 and remember that God made us a very important part of the body. The body needs us functioning at full potential! Even if one of its main roles is washing the right armpit.