We were given five senses to enjoy the life that God has blessed us with. Taste, sight, touch, smell, and hearing. These five human senses play a unique role by receiving signal information from the environment through the sense organs and relaying it to the human brain for interpretation. The brain on receiving and interpreting the information tells the body how to respond. We rely so much on our senses and won’t realize it until you aren’t able to use one of them.
For month two of my World Race, I am in Costa Rica. One day, I swam in a pool and got water in my left ear. Getting water in the ear is normal when swimming so I didn’t do much about it. I was hoping that it’d come out eventually. After a few days, my ear hadn’t improved, and a friend told me that I could possibly have swimmers ear. I was told to get some hydrogen peroxide to limit the possibility of an infection. The hydrogen peroxide didn’t really help. I still couldn’t really hear out of my left ear. After a couple days of using hydrogen peroxide, my ear started hurting. I told one of my leaders and was redirected to tell the people we’ll be staying with and see what they recommend. They told me they recommend me going to a pharmacy and getting ear drops, because going to a “real” doctor would be two hours away. So, I went to the pharmacy and got ear drops to prevent an ear infection. The ear drops took away the pain, but I still couldn’t really hear out of my left ear. I used the ear drops for a few more days and still no progress with hearing from my left ear. I finally told someone who was in charge that I haven’t been able to hear out of my left ear for 9 days. They helped me find a clinic, where someone could look at my ear. Long story short: the doctor realized I had a fungus infection in my ear. Since I’ve been on the World Race, I’ve swam in the ocean, rivers, and pools in different countries, which is what the doctor thinks caused it. My ears became dried out so there was dry skin in my ear which probably contributed to the ear wax that was built up in my ear. And then once I got water in my ear, the fungus hardened which prevented me from hearing.
Not being able to hear out of my left ear for 9 days was an awakening for me. Because I couldn’t use one of my senses, I had to depend on my other four. I thank God that this situation wasn’t worse. Having water in your ear for 9 days and not being able to hear out of one ear could have resulted a lot worse. I thank God that the doctor could speak English, so he could help me. I also thank God for what happened. I learned a lot from not being able to hear out of one of my ears for 9 days.
I did some research on God and the five senses and learned that God speaks to us through what we see, hear, smell, touch, and taste. We know this intuitively, but to think about it consciously is a powerful form of prayer. When we’re inspired by a song on the radio, when we are moved by the sight of a sweetly vulnerable newborn, or when we are renewed by the cool water of a swimming pool on a hot day, we’re experiencing the creative goodness of God. We can and should find God in all things. God meets us where we are, as humans living and breathing and moving in a tangible world, and the five senses are five entry points for God’s love to become known to us.
Also in my research, I discovered this little photo presentation and I wanted to share it with you. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
I see God as more powerful than the rushing water over waterfalls.
I see a faithful God who paints a rainbow after a storm to prove He keeps His promises.
I believe that I witness God’s protection during each storm.
I will learn lessons from each “storm” in my life.
I will testify of His faithfulness to protect me.
I believe God takes care of every living creature,
but He loves you more and will always provide for you.
when you seek Him with your heart.
God in the miraculous birth of a new baby.
Feel God through the touch of others as they share love, kindness, and generosity.
Receive God’s love with each hug. Obey God by hugging others.
Hear the love of God from the purr of a kitten.
Inhale the breath of the Holy Spirit to empower you with all you need and want each day.
I can taste God through the food I receive and get to enjoy.
I thank God for allowing me to experience Him through my five senses: sight, touch, hearing, smell, and taste.
I am grateful for each sense that God has blessed me with. Think about not being able to hear your loved ones laugh again. Or not be able to taste your favorite food. Or smell fresh baked chocolate chip cookies that just came out of the oven. Or see the beautiful colors that God has put on this earth for us to enjoy. Or be able to touch the cold, cool water of the sea. Our life would surely be turned upside down if we lost one of our senses. Thank God for everything that He has given to you. Because we are so blessed, more than we realize.
Thank you so much and until next time(:
Yours in Christ,
Karrie
