Irene Brand - The Test of Love

Considering his attitude, Connie wondered how she could encourage spiritual and physical healing in a man who had so definitely turned away from God’s word.

“You were completely healed?” Joseph asked.

“Yes, but the left leg isn’t as strong as the other one, so I’ve continued my exercise program. God did his part, and I do mine.”

“And that’s why you became a physical therapist?”

She nodded. “I’d been in and out of gyms most of my life, learning the importance of maintaining a strong, healthy body. When it was time for me to decide on a career, I remembered the story of the four men who brought their friend to Jesus for healing. Jesus forgave the man’s sins before He cured his disability, saying He healed the man when He saw the faith of his friends. I believe spiritual commitment has a great deal to do with the health of the body, and that God enables His followers to bring about that healing.”

Joseph removed the cover and took several bites of the strawberry yogurt.

“I want to believe you’re right, and in my heart, I know you are. I resented my father’s authoritarianism, but the spiritual truths I learned as a child are still ingrained in my mind. I’ve become cynical, but it’s only skin-deep.”

“Since you believe that, you’re well on your way to recovery.”

Joseph didn’t speak again as he slowly scraped the last of the yogurt from the plastic container and picked up an apple. Connie welcomed the silence, for it gave her time to think. Although she’d thought this trip might be a mistake, it had given her important insight into Joseph’s character. He finished the last of his apple, and threw the core to a waiting raven that, for the last five minutes, had been hopping from one branch to another in a nearby tree, noisily making his presence known.

Without meeting Connie’s eyes, Joseph said, “You mentioned guilt—I feel no guilt about the automobile accident. My wife had been injured, the telephone lines were down because of the blizzard, and I was trying to take her to the hospital. The truck crossed the center line and hit our car. I couldn’t have avoided any of that.”

Obliquely, Connie glanced at her watch. They should leave soon to give Joseph time to rest before dinner, but this informal session might be Joseph’s most beneficial therapy, so she shifted her position on the narrow bench and listened intently.

“However, Virginia and I had been growing apart for a long time, and I let it happen. I feel guilty about that. I should have worked harder to make our marriage succeed.” He sighed deeply. “It’s too late to do anything about that, so I should let it go, but I can’t seem to.”

“You might remember this Scripture verse from your childhood. ‘Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.’”

He smiled grimly. “Yes, I remember that verse. It was easy to memorize the words, but it’s difficult to accept them as a rule for living.”

“We can’t change the past, as much as we might like to. Can’t you try to forget what happened and look to the future?”

“I intend to try, but it won’t be easy. What about you?” he continued, eyeing her skeptically. “Can you unload baggage from the past that’s troubling you?”

“As of now, I have. That sermon I preached to you found lodging in my own heart. I’d been debating a decision, but I’ve made it. No more vacillating.” The conversation had progressed into ticklish matters, and Connie started gathering up the picnic items.

“We should start back. I have some office work to finish, and you may want to swim or rest before dinner, depending on how you feel.”

Rubbing his leg, Joseph said, “Right now, I want to rest, and I doubt I’ll have changed my mind when we get back to NLC.”

Joseph’s leg had stiffened during the leisurely hour they’d enjoyed, and it took a lot of maneuvering to seat him on the four-wheeler. Sensing his discomfort, Connie drove slowly, but she heard him stifle a groan when she hit the brake quickly to avoid striking a deer that ran across the trail. When they arrived at the dorm, Connie turned off the engine and hopped off the ATV. Joseph stared at her, a ludicrous expression on his face, and he made no move to step down.

“Connie, I’ve always considered myself a level-headed person, and I can’t imagine why I ever consented to go riding on this ATV. The pressure on my body as we came down that trail has numbed my left leg. I can’t move.”

In spite of being alarmed at his statement, his perplexed expression amused her, and she grinned.

“I’ve doubted myself ever since I suggested the picnic. As your trainer, I should have known better. Do you suppose we have a bad effect on each other?”

He laughed. “That’s possible, but I can’t stay on this ATV the rest of my life, and I can’t move. What are we going to do?”

Contrite, Connie trotted to the other side of the ATV and started massaging his leg.

“At least, there’s some small gain—when the leg is numb, it doesn’t hurt,” Joseph said, still chuckling over his predicament.

They were startled by Dr. Alexander’s booming voice. “What are you two doing?” He towered over them, his face black as a thundercloud.

“Joseph and I went on a picnic to Paddy’s Point, and he can’t get off the ATV.”

Joseph flexed his leg. “It’s better now, but, Doctor, I need some help dismounting. I’ve had less trouble getting off a bucking horse.”

Dr. Alexander was a tall man, and as Connie supported and protected Joseph’s leg, the doctor lifted him off the ATV.

“Walk around and see if you notice any problem,” the doctor commanded.

Connie took Joseph’s arm, and walking with his cane, he said, “No worse than it was yesterday.

“In spite of the discomfort, I did enjoy the picnic,” Joseph said. “I admitted a few things I haven’t been able to put into words before.”

“That’s good. Mutual understanding is important between a trainer and patient. Try to get some rest before dinner.”

Joseph was already in the cafeteria when Connie entered the next morning, and Rose Nash sat beside him. Since they were deep in conversation, Connie waved and moved on to sit beside Kim and Eric.

“How’s your new patient doing?” Eric said.

“We start therapy this morning, and for the first time in my career, I’m afraid of failing.”

“Isn’t it too soon to consider that?” Eric asked.

“Of course, but I feel we’re Joseph’s last hope, and if I can’t help him, where else can he turn?”

Eric laughed lightly. “How about God? He’s our ultimate help. If we encourage Joseph to trust in God, regardless of his physical problems, all will be well.”

Connie flushed. “That was a careless remark for me to make. For a moment, I forgot the major emphasis here at NLC.”

“Eric,” Kim said, “perhaps you can befriend Joseph and help him with his spiritual problems.”

“I’ll do that, of course, because it’s my job, but I also want to do it for Joseph’s sake. He strikes me as a man with a lot to offer others, and we need to work toward his complete healing.”

Eric was an important addition to NLC, having joined the staff during the year. A slender man, with prematurely graying hair, his black eyes revealed not only his Creole heritage, but also his intense passion to help others mature spiritually.

Joseph finished eating before Connie did, and he stopped by their table.

“Meet me in front of the dorm in a half hour,” she said.

“Good,” he answered. “That will give me time to change into exercise clothes.” He lifted his hand in understanding. Connie soon finished her meal, deposited the tray on the rack near the kitchen and left the cafeteria. Ray Blazer was waiting for her beside the door.