Bones

Over the past four years of schooling I have learned some rather interesting things. Others not so interesting. Among the interesting things I have learned is the slippery slope that emerges when one chooses to be idle, such as choosing not to walk. I am lucky enough to still have both grandmothers in my life. One of them, however, chose a long time ago to have a cart move her around rather than walking under her own power and energies. Her past and current medical issues are evidence of the slippery slope that she has had to endure over the years, but what causes this slippery slope? On a microscopic level bones have essentially two types of cells: Osteoblasts and osteocytes. Osteocytes break down bone while osteoblasts lay down new bone. They are both constantly at work. However, the levels of activity of one or the other may be skewed based off one's activity. When one exercises and places stress on the bones there is far more building than breaking down. Conversely, when one stands idle and places no stress on their bones their is far more breaing down than building. Bones have to be used to grow stronger, or even to maintain their strength. I think Heavenly Father helps us grow stronger the same way we allow our bones to. He places all sorts of stresses on us. I imagine at times He doesn't want to cause pain and heartache to the very children he loves, but He understands the big pictures. He knows what's best for us, and ultimately what will make us happpiest. In addition to allowing us to grow, this process allows us to become closer to and more like our Heavenly Father. And that should be our ultimate goal.