I think I have a cavity. I was around 12 the last time I had a cavity, and I don’t think that I’m being graceful about this one, at least not in the part of my head that God sees. Maybe the world didn’t know about my dilemma, but God sure does (well, before this post). He hears me wailing and sees me cringing and knows that I am just not offering it up to him.
How long was Jesus on that cross?
It’s one of my front teeth, and I’ll admit to vanity: what if it has to be pulled? (Voice of Reason: “Come ON, Sarah, it’s probably just a stinkin’ regular cavity, the kind that gets filled!”) I’ll admit to fear: I don’t remember how much it hurts to have a cavity pulled, but I remember the after-effects of all that Novocain, and it’s not something I want to repeat, though I might have no choice. (Voice of Reason: “Novocain is better than none!”). I’ll admit to a general sense of “hey!” about the whole idea of a cavity: this just isn’t a good time for a cavity. (Voice of Reason: “And just when IS a good time?”)
How long was Jesus on that cross?
One little cavity is throwing my world into a tailspin, at least in the part of my head that God sees. One little cavity, which insurance will mostly cover, and which isn’t such an unusual event in the world. It’s not unique, it’s not original, it’s not the first time. So what’s my problem?
That’s my reflection for the morning, as I sip coffee that tastes great but that sends a twinge through the front of my mouth…sometimes.
How long was Jesus on that cross?
What did he suffer for me?
How do I add to his suffering in my daily life?
The dentist appointment is scheduled. The cavity can be taken care of. So can those lingering “cavities” in my spiritual life. It’s as easy as confession.
I had a cavity on a front tooth. We didnt’ have insurance so I let it go for a couple of years, and then they had to do a root canal (which was SO not as bad as everyone says!) and I lost half the tooth. So they put a fake one in, and it looks a lot better, as the original one was slightly crooked and this one is perfectly straight. My dentist gave me a professional tooth bleaching kit for free so he could match the color to the color of my pretty white teeth too.
Plus, I got to relax in the dentist chair for a couple of hours with my feet up.
And I got a smile makeover for the cost of a copay.
I wish I had the strength to say it’ll be ok….I’d rather go to any other dr for any other body part than to go to the dentist. I feel your **pain**. However I do know that getting a cavity filled is better than letting it go. It’ll feel kinda like after you go to confession; you may be nervous at first but when you are done you feel a sense of calm, that you did the right thing. If only God could “fill our cavities” as quickly as the dentist. : )
I keep telling myself I have to be a good role model for the little ones.
Good Luck!
Yeah, so the cavity will be OK. The confession will be too. I’ve written about it before (check back in the archives, because I am not so good at html that I can link here in the combox, sorry), and it sort of cracks me up to compare it to the dentist. The dentist will be SO MUCH WORSE! 🙂 God so kicks the dentist’s butt, I’m just sure of it (and well he should!)
How long was Jesus on the Cross?
I love that- it makes me chuckle every time.
Tim, I’m glad you’re chuckling. Laughter is the best remedy, once you’ve got the Novacane, that is! 🙂