What. a. Thrill.

I’ve completed two weeks of thirteen in the eastern farm fields of Wisconsin, feeling thoroughly spun and twisted upside-down by the seven (7!!) roundabouts I weave through each way on my daily commute to a cheese factory’s on-site wellness center – I feel like a rough-housed Slinky. But the job is great! A supportive organization, great culture, and I’m not overworked – not even close. I’m covering a maternity leave, and census just happens to be ABSOLUTELY nil. On a typical day, I’d probably see 10-12 patients; I’ve completed 5 patient visits in 4 days. I’m getting a lot of continuing education and study time in, as well as some good conversation with new co-workers. Which brings the thrill.

Yesterday afternoon, in an attempt to wile away the hours until clock-out time (this clinic runs on a walk-in basis, so we need to be available until close for any urgent cases), I engaged in 3 hours of conversation with the MA and personal trainer here. Topics covered the typical range: family, fame, the demise of democratic principles. But then it took an effortless and smooth turn into the place of religion in our lives (how often is that effortless??). Two of us stayed 20 minutes past the end of shift, swapping stories of being awestruck at God’s providential guidance and orchestration of both celestial bodies and our lives, he peppering me with questions about the Sabbath, the role of the Holy Spirit, and how I seek to receive the influence of the Holy Spirit in my life.

I was FLOORED. I tried to keep from trembling as my excitement built, our conversation continuing easily. I nearly giggled when the topic turned again and again to themes that had been discussed in my morning commute audiobook just days prior.

Since completing grad school 5 years ago, I’ve struggled to know how to integrate my faith into my physical therapy practice. Growing up in an “Adventist bubble” of private school (no regrets!), I had never before been in a position surrounded by people who hadn’t ever knowingly encountered an Adventist. I was suddenly thrust into a position of first impressions, and felt entirely inadequate. I struggled with walking the line between proselytizing and hiding, often falling into a “you do you and I’ll do me” routine that didn’t sit well with me. I’ve been diligently praying that God would show me ways to share truths that provide joy and are important to me, and was still feeling behind.

But then I met Terry.

“God brought you here. I know He’s been preparing me for a big change. The way things have led up to events of the past 3 weeks, I know He’s got something big coming. If this conversation is the only reason you came to this clinic, it was worth it.”

YES. I know it was. God moves in mysterious and mighty ways, and it thrills my soul when He uses us in His purposes.

We work together again next Thursday. I covet your prayers as we continue to dig into these topics!