Three times a week Tracy would fill the water tank up to my shoulders and begin my exercises. After knee bends and leg and toe stretches, the treadmill under the water would be turned on for several minutes. I could now do this procedure from memory.
I loved the friendship and communication that was established between us when therapy was first needed three years prior. Tracy is younger than my daughters, but kindred spirits developed as she worked diligently to strengthen me physically following major surgery.
Now, more degenerative back problems had been found and my physician ordered another series of physical therapy. I requested, and was allowed to have, Tracy once more as my therapist.
"And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength."
- Mark 12:30 (NLT)
"Ok, now do fifteen leg stretches." It was the voice of my Physical Therapist, Tracy.
Three times a week Tracy would fill the water tank up to my shoulders and begin my exercises. After knee bends and leg and toe stretches, the treadmill under the water would be turned on for several minutes. I could now do this procedure from memory.
I loved the friendship and communication that was established between us when therapy was first needed three years prior. Tracy is younger than my daughters, but kindred spirits developed as she worked diligently to strengthen me physically following major surgery.
Now, more degenerative back problems had been found and my physician ordered another series of physical therapy. I requested, and was allowed to have, Tracy once more as my therapist.
Although it had been a few months since I had seen her, our camaraderie was established immediately. Gently she cared for my therapy needs. With a kind manner she ministered to me emotionally, answering all my questions. We both loved talking about our families. With sparkling eyes and a smile to match, Tracy would listen to my grandmother stories. I, in turn, enjoyed the experiences she shared about her two boys, four year-old Ryan and two year-old Josh. Tracy encouraged me when sharing about their drive to daycare just that morning.
"I love you, Ryan." "I love you, Josh," Tracy told them as they sped toward daycare and work.
"I love you, mommy," Ryan and Josh answered from the back seat of the car.
"And we all love Jesus," Tracy continued as part of their early morning good-byes.
Then as young, innocent children often do, Ryan spoke from his heart, "Sometimes, I want to give Jesus a hug." Ryan's love for his Heavenly Father was shining forth on that early morning ride.
I could almost see Jesus smiling as Tracy relayed those sweet words to me. How happy our wonderful Lord would be to know our love for Him everyday is deep enough that we desire to give Him a hug!
Tomorrow when you begin your busy day, take time to tell your family that you love them. At that same moment recall the precious words of a four year-old who had been taught all about love. Tell Jesus you love Him with all your heart, and soul, and strength. Make Him smile when you add that you sometimes would like to give him a hug!
Melva Cooper, Copyright 2005
Used with permission.