Article March 21, 2005 Issue

WHEN THE PAIN THAT WOULDN'T GO AWAY, WENT

By Evan Mehlenbacher

The more spiritually minded we stay, the quicker we detect harmful thoughts when they're presented, counteract their intent with love and goodwill, and stay spiritually and physically fit.

I had an opportunity to test the truthfulness of those promising words in January of last year, when my wife and I started tennis lessons at the local fitness club. We both loved the sport. It was an activity we could do together, and it felt wholesome to break out of our routine and run around on the court a few times each week.

In June, though, a severe pain started to develop in my right elbow. At first I ignored the sensation, figuring it was a temporary aberration and would quickly disappear. But over the weeks it got worse. Soon I wasn't able to lift heavy objects or turn my arm certain ways, and the elbow ached almost constantly.