In the Bible, Paul describes our bodies as earthly tents. I’ve gone camping a few times, and one thing I’ve learned is that tents do not make a very good permanent dwelling. A word of advice: If you’re ever camping in the Badlands in South Dakota, don’t bring an extra-large 10-person tent. It gets pretty windy in those parts, and the tent will serve as a giant wind catcher. I still have bad memories of lying in the tattered remains of the tent—nothing more than a metal frame and a few pieces of fabric held together by duct tape—praying for protection from rain and wild animals.

But that’s neither here nor there. The reason I’m writing this blog post is because I was reminded last Friday morning just how weak and feeble this tent of a body is.

I decided to do a health screening at work to save some money on my health insurance. Before I go any farther, I should tell you that I have a history of passing out at the sight of blood. (Freshman year of college, I passed out during the movie Scream. Embarrassing, right?)

So I knew going into this health screening that there was a slight chance I would pass out during the finger prick, especially since I hadn’t eaten anything since 6 p.m. the previous evening (a requirement of the screening). But, thinking I had outgrown my aversion to blood and assuming I was man enough to handle a little finger prick, I went ahead with it.

I’m pretty sure the conversation went something like this:

Nurse: “You’re going to feel a little prick. What are you doing this weekend?”

Me: “Going to a retreat with my church.”

Nurse: “Oh, it doesn’t look like we’re getting any blood. I think we’re going to have to poke you again. So what are you doing at the retreat?”

Me: “Doing some singing and listening to some speakers. Man, I don’t feel very good.”

The next thing I knew, I woke up on the floor with about eight nurses around me and my feet up on the chair I had just been sitting in. It only took a few seconds to realize what had happened. I’d done it again.

I’m really glad this body is only temporary and someday I will live permanently with God in his heavenly dwelling.

2 Corinthians 5:1-5