Blessed by a Humbling

Posted on August 4, 2010
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Last April I developed a toothache. I tolerated it through the month of May. In early June I had had enough misery and went to the dentist.

I knew I would need a root canal, and a painful root canal was what I got. I knew it would be expensive, and it expensive it is. And it was for those two reasons that I put off the dentist for as long as I could possibly bear it.

At first they wanted to remove the tooth. It was broken and they thought it was beyond repair. Then the head dentist said he thought he could save the tooth. He did.

I’ve known the dentist for years. He’s a good man. Many friends have gone to him. I’ve never heard a negative comment about him.

Today was my third trip to take care of the tooth. First was the root canal. Second was the fitting for the crown. Third was the putting on of the crown.

I am grateful for him saving my tooth, for the generous discount he gave me, and for the professional and thoughtful care his office staff gives.

The whole thing was a humbling experience. Tolerating the pain for so long. Breaking down and going to the dentist. Thinking I was going to lose the tooth. Seeing the cost. And sitting through pain on two occasions.

If I feel this way because of my dentist. I should feel much more because of my Lord. Christ takes away much more pain, pays such a great personal cost, and is such a greater man.

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