I felt it tear. As my feet met the hardwood floor, the pain reverberated throughout my body like a tidal wave. But the crowd! The crowd was watching. They were cheering and clapping and encouraging us along. And so along I went, along I danced and twisted and spun my way across the floor until the song ended and the applause subsided. And that’s when I saw it. With my dance shoe in hand, I looked down at my aching foot and knew that something was amiss.

“Torn ligament,” the doctor said. And I knew then that I was out. I knew that the routine that I had spent an entire year co-creating and rehearsing and sacrificing for would have to go on to the World Championships without me.

All because of a stupid ligament.

When I was reflecting on today’s reading, I began to think about the body—the miraculous way our hearts beat and the astounding accuracy in which our brains function.

But what I didn’t think about were eyelashes, the way they shield our eyes from harm. I didn’t think about sweat glands, the way they work to control our temperature. And I certainly didn’t think about ligaments.

But this story isn’t about dancing or bodily functions. No. This story is about you. It is about the part you play in this great adventure.

I think it’s easy to get sidetracked along the way, to let others' talents outshine the gifts that God has implanted in us. It is easy to see the heart and the lungs and the brain and feel discouraged about the underwhelming task of the eyebrow. But you, oh little one, you matter. There is a purpose for your unique skills here in this body.

Because even ligaments are important. Even ligaments have value.

So, my dear friends, whether you’re a hand or a foot or a fingernail, rest in the gift that you are.

You matter here.

[bctt tweet="Whether you’re a hand or a foot or a fingernail, rest in the gift that you are." username="IamBritCal"]

Feel the joy of the gift of your body today. Nurture, love, and appreciate it as the temple of the Holy Spirit!

Brittany Calavitta is an enthusiastic advocate for a good book, strong coffee, and a hopeful heart. After battling years of infertility, she and her husband welcomed their first child on September 11, 2016. You can find out more about her here.