MY TEETH

I went to the dentist a few weeks ago. Like most people, this is something I don’t really want to do, but unlike most people, I have an additional problem I bring with me to the dentist chair.

I have been a singer most of my life. I did a show for seniors—retirement communities, nursing homes, senior centers, etc. Big Band oldies, show tunes, bluesy ballads—think Ella Fitzgerald (my favorite) and Judy Garland. For 25 years I did 100-200 shows a year. Some weeks I would do one or two shows, some weeks four or five, it would depend on the season. Obviously, Christmas time—very busy. Nursing home month—May—very busy. I sang my little heart out and enjoyed it very much.

As a result, I developed jaw issues from overuse. When the symptoms first started it was very painful, and it took a while to diagnose exactly what was going on. This is one of those things that’s hard to describe to people, hard to diagnose, and hard to fix. And even if they do try to ‘fix’ it, there is no guarantee it will work. I spent years in severe pain and in fear that it would never get better.

But it did get better.

Mostly because I slowed down my singing, and eventually stopped doing shows all together. Now, I sing in church with my group and leave it at that. As long as I don’t over practice, I’m fine. Thank you, Lord!

What does that have to do with my teeth? Or this blog?

Well, for obvious reasons, I put off going to the dentist. I am afraid they will be too rough on me. They will open my mouth too wide and insist I keep it open for too long. I have, in the past, gone to the dentist, and then needed a week to recover. I dreaded it. But I’m in my 60’s now, and seeing the dentist is important as you get older. Teeth have a way of decaying and falling out!

So, off I went.

The dentist poked and prodded around. Took a few pics. Asked about the last time a certain tooth had any work done to it. He rubbed that gritty cleaning stuff all over my teeth and buzzed that little round-headed sander about my mouth, showed me how to brush and floss properly, and Boom! done.

As he was poking, he said those magic words, “You have good teeth and gums.”

“ ‘ank ou,” I replied as he buzzed by my lower teeth.

It reminded me of a conversation I had with one of the old ladies in a nursing home where I was singing.

“Are those your teeth?” she asked.

“Yes, they are,” I replied.

“They seem like good teeth. Are they good teeth?” she continued.

“Well … they seem to be. They get the job done,” I replied.

And I thought, then, as I did sitting there in the dentist chair, mouth agape, I have good chompers!

But ... I do not have beautiful chompers.

They are not perfectly straight. And they are not dazzling white. In this world of Instagram, Facebook and selfies, where every event (including what’s on your dinner plate) is documented, I cannot compete.

This is a generational thing. My kids, like most of their peers, have perfected the selfie. They have beautiful teeth (you’re welcome, kids). They smile and pose like it’s their job. So much gleaming whiteness!

My teeth are … utilitarian. They do what they are supposed to do. And I’m okay with that.

Why this long post about my teeth?

Because I am much like my teeth. I am … utilitarian. I am useful, and by the grace of God, and His grace alone, I am useful in my faith.

I want God to use me. I don’t need to be the star of the show, I want God to be the star. I want to do what I can to bring someone to Christ, but it’s not about me, it’s about Him.

If I’m a little crooked – it’s okay. If I don’t shine as much as the next guy – it’s okay. I just want to do the things God calls me to do.

What things can I do?

I can pray. I can go on outreach and tell people how much God loves them. I can love my neighbor. I can show up in church and encourage the Body of Christ. I can tithe. I can read and study the Bible and grow in my faith. I can worship Him, alone or with others, I can hold someone’s hand when they struggle, I can fall and thank God! I can get up … and on and on it goes.

And so can you.

None of these things require that we be brilliant or great, only that we be available.

So, go ahead – be utilitarian. Just show up, and watch God shine!

Declare His glory among the nations, His marvelous works among all the peoples. (Psalm 96:3)

Are you saved? Do you know if you will go to heaven when you die?

Everyone dies—there is no escaping death. This is an absolute truth.

We are all sinners—fallen short of the glory of God. This is an absolute truth.

Jesus Christ, who is God, became a man and died on a cross so that the sins of the world would be forgiven—your sins are forgiven. This is an absolute truth.

If you would like to go to heaven, the blood that Christ shed on the cross is payment for your sin. To be saved, you only need to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. This is an absolute truth.

Ask Him today to forgive you and to come and live in your heart, and when you die you be welcomed into heaven for all eternity. This is an absolute truth!

If you are looking for a church in your area,

or would like to attend church or take bible college classes online,

go to: ggwo.org