An Origin Story — Pete
II love Marvel! Not just the recent movies, but also the comics and animated series from my early childhood. I appreciate the character development and relationships, but my favorite part is learning the origin stories of the characters and how they became who they are. I love reading about how relationships developed and how they battled evil together and overcame impossible hurdles.
This has me reflecting on the origin stories of relationships in my life. I have found it easy to forget how they began once a person has become interwoven in the fabric of my life.
A few years ago, a surgeon made errors during knee surgery, resulting in further injury, leaving me feeling damaged and betrayed. Through it all, there was Pete.
When I first met Pete, he was my husband’s physical therapist. I was seeking a PT who could work with me during the hours my teaching career allowed. We knew surgery was ahead, so we focused on building strength and made a recovery plan. We were so optimistic!
I vividly recall my return to his office post-surgery. He had been there in the building-up stage, strengthening and encouraging. Now, he was there in the betrayal, helping me accept it and move forward. Over time, we made progress with my knee, but more significantly, Pete’s presence brought healing in other areas of my life.
Early on we discovered our shared faith in Jesus. During our appointments, whether conversations were light-hearted with lots of laughter or heartfelt about overcoming loss and hardship, I was reminded of God’s goodness.
As I reflect on that time and the initial betrayal I felt at the surgeon’s mistake, I realize I was also feeling forgotten by God, and at the root, worth being forgotten. I was left asking “why”. But those conversations, week after week, brought reminders of God’s faithfulness as we shared stories, talked over sermons from the prior Sunday, and recalled the ways that God had worked in the past. It led to an assurance that no matter the scenario, He would provide. This trial shone a light on God’s faithfulness in my life.
I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart;
I will recount all of your wonderful deeds.
I will be glad and exult in you;
I will sing praise to your name, O Most High. Psalm 9:1
Galatians 6:2 says, “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” Pete, through his encouragement and constancy, willingly took up my burdens — physical pain, feelings of betrayal, and doubts about God’s plan — and carried them with me, pointing me back to God’s goodness. Not only did Pete encourage me, but he also welcomed me to speak truth into his life. Earlier thoughts of being forgotten by God, and at the root, worth being forgotten, were replaced with renewed confidence in who God says I am. Having a fellow believer, encourager, and burden-bearer walking with me during that time is a blessing I am deeply grateful for!
Reflecting on this, I am reminded of how often I have neglected to express to someone the impact they have had on my life. This is another way to lighten a burden and love one another. I resolve to do that more!
The law of Christ is this “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this, all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34–35
