Righteousness is defined as being rightly related to God and to others. It is what Christians long for, though it has accrued a negative connotation as a condescending term by many non-christians (probably due to short-sightedness of christians representing Christ in their own strength and claiming to be rightly related to Him, while pridefully denying when they're not - and, yeah, I think there are times when even the most devout believers fail to follow His Still Small Voice; an inextricable part of humanity).

In a literal sense, physical health and healing from injury is positively affected by righteousness. The human body is resilient, but needs care in order to heal most effectively. It needs nutrients, rest, movement, weight-bearing, oxygen, flexibility, strength and coordination; a dynamic balance to say the least. The restoration of function and wellness is also affected by our emotional disposition. I've seen stress affect blood pressure, prevent relaxation on strained tissues and magnify perception of pain resulting from slight injury. Conversely, I have seen an appropriate perspective of life's challenges and blessings expressed in faith expedite recovery from terrible injury. Is it miracle? By definition, yes (that is, a positive occurence beyond our understanding; defying explanation). I believe, however, we have been given the tools to understand this miracle of healing.

To place healing for physical wellness as primary focus seems selfish to me, though. Intuitively, I know a preoccupation with physical wellness while failing to honor and trust the One from whom wellness comes (indeed, The Great Physician) is an exercise in futility. While there are no scientific studies supporting this YET, I imagine eventual sadness and loneliness erode the short-term benefits realized through self-centeredness.

As a physical therapist, it's my job to help patients recover from injuries and equip them to manage their conditions after rehab. Despite my best efforts to educate (in mass or one person at a time), however, it appears I will never be out of work. Why do people continually develop movement dysfunction or injure themselves when they aught to know better? I know they aught to know better because I taught them... and will teach them again to the best of my ability. Are people not smart? I'm not inclined to label my patients as unintelligent...

A mentor once told me, "He who works himself out of a job will always have a job." The longer I practice, the smarter I believe my friend was. Though I truly wish it were truly possible to get a "leg up" on pain and suffering, I believe just as "the poor you will always have with you," it is also true that there will always be pain and suffering from physical injury.

Though I enjoy helping people, it is hard not to long from time to time to have less work to do!!!!