Today’s post is by Jenica Lee, part of the On Call in Culture team. She shares about where God has her working and why she is privileged to share His love with others on the job.
For the past few months, I have been working as a Chiropractic and Physical Therapist Aid. For various reasons, I absolutely love my job. One of those reasons is that I get to work with people; more specifically, people like me.
About 6 months ago I was hit by a car while riding my bike and suffered a spinal fracture. Because of this injury and the hardships that have come with it, I am able to relate with many of our patients in a way that others cannot.
While my job description is “to safely and accurately guide patients through their exercises and other therapeutic treatments,” there is an underlying purpose to my job that I believe is just as important.
Every patient carries with them different emotions and behaviors. Some are angry, bitter, and frustrated. Others feel discouraged, disappointed, and embarrassed. Some play the victim, overreact, or use sarcasm to cover up their pain. Then there are those who feel so beat down that they can barely manage a smile.
But one thing is true for every patient.
They are grieving.
Many of them are dealing with the realization that life will never be the same again. They have lost something that, at one time, they took for granted. They feel inadequate. They are trying to figure out who they are, now that a part of them is gone.
They need someone to count the repetitions of squats, correct their form on the neck stretches, and apply their electrode pads, but what they really want is for someone to care.
Yes, it is so much more than just “physical” therapy.
Sometimes it’s the simplest things, like getting them a pillow so they are more comfortable or remembering the names of their grandchildren, that pours sweetness over their hurting souls.
Whatever it is, my prayer is that I will be able to communicate Christ’s love, comfort, and healing to each patient through my words, touch, and willingness to listen. I hope that as their bodies heal, their hearts will also.
