Wednesday, March 2, 2011

When a toothache is a good thing...

It could be because I never went to a dentist until I was an adult. It could be because we did not have dental insurance for years. It could be because I don't floss. It could be I just have bad teeth. But whatever the cause I wound up with a throbbing tooth ache over the weekend.

Some left over Percocet (thanks to Melody's kidney stone) got me through till Monday morning. Finally I got into the chair. You KNOW the chair. In my case, it was a chair in Larry's "Little shop of Horrors". OK so he's not really that bad, but I was not there for a hair cut. I had an abscess in a tooth that had been previously filled. I was hearing those wonderful words - "We're going to have to do a root canal". Been there, done that - no fun!

Now, I like my dentist. I miss Ershal - but Larry's a pretty good egg. Larry is also Jewish. Over the last few weeks we have actually talked a bit about our faith. Today, on my second of at least three visits we talked a little more in depth. Now, I'm not saying I had the chance to share the gospel with him. But I'm hoping some day I will.

So why did I have a toothache? Was it bad dental hygiene - maybe? But maybe it was a divine appointment. Maybe it was to sow a seed. Maybe it was God using me to reach out to one of his "chosen people".

We all come in contact every day with "chosen people"... not just the Jewish variety either. Are we taking the opportunity to share Jesus? Or are we just there to take care of the issue at hand? As disciples the issue at hand is ALWAYS about being Jesus to those who don't know him.

Thanks Lord for the toothache.... Now you and me have a dental bill we need to discuss.