Tuesday, November 10, 2009

The blessing of a root canal

Yesterday after several days of pretty intense jaw pain, I saw a dentist. I ended up with a root canal. Upon determining by x-ray that the tooth didn't have any decay, the dentist asked me I've been under a lot of stress. Um....yes. Apparently without realizing it I have been clenching and grinding my teeth from stress, causing enough damage to the tooth to warrant a root canal. Nice.

So believe it or not yesterday's dental procedure has turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Every time I clench my teeth down even the slightest bit, pain shoots up into my head. This has served as a very effective and frequent reminder that I need to let God be in control of my life and my every situation. Isn't that amazing? I've only had about 15 reminders this morning, so I think we are making progress. Thank you Lord.

I had a really nice conversation with a Facebook friend last night. She is also an adoption advocate, and she is working very hard to change some laws right here in Oklahoma that would help to preserve the dignity of birth mothers who decide to place their children for adoption. It is neat how God uses the very hard experiences in our lives to bring about awareness of things that need to change, even laws that need to change, and how He equips us with strength to bring about changes even when we think we are the least qualified to be that vessel.

We are still praying and asking the Lord what He wants our role to be in recent hard experiences. What emotions must Abraham have gone through when God asked him to lay his son Isaac on the altar. Was he absolutely confident from the minute he heard, or did he go back and forth questioning himself? Somehow I get the feeling Abraham's faith was a little more mature than mine. LOL Needless to say, we are still waiting, praying, listening for the outcome of that sacrifice.

When my parents were here last week, my mother bought me this beautiful statuette to remind me of my cause. I probably don't have to tell you that I tear up every time I see it. It sits on my shelf, reminding me that no matter what happens, whether the outcome is adoption or not, that we did everything in our power to make sure that birth mothers were carefully informed. That they were offered more than one alternative. That they were treated with dignity and respect. And that they were empowered to make the decision that ONLY they could make for their children. Thanks Mom for this beautiful reminder. It is perfect.

15 comments:

Marlita said...

I am proud of you. The easy way would be to adopt them regardless, but you want what is best for them. That is selfless.

Alice said...

Hope you feel better soon. You could try wearing a mouth guard like the kids wear for sports. If you are just around the house, it might work. It breaks up the pressure.

Larsen Family said...

Continually praying for your family.

Anonymous said...

Still praying for you all. This adoption business is tough and difficult and sometimes messy and convoluted, but thank goodness we serve a God who sees all and knows all and will bless you for doing the right thing, especially when its the tough thing.

Molly said...

What a beautiful piece your mom bought. Wow...so incredibly touching that statue. It speaks volume of her understanding of what you are doing. Neat lady. Wonderful mom!

Hey I loved our conversation and it reminded me too of how when God calls us to something like this, satan will be there to get in the way. But that's when I remind myself that this is God's work and it really is a sign of just that when you face persecution. If people say that you are anti-adoption that sure is persecution. Nothing could be further from the truth and we all know that. What matter most is He knows that and He is being glorified through your life and your fight.

Love you sweet friend and praying for you all of the time!

Mandy said...

You mom is such a sweet lady :) Gave me goosebumps and tears as I read and saw what she had given you. God Bless.

Cortney said...

Awesome post! I love the perspective you choose to have :) There isn't much that compares to tooth pain in my book. Thanks again for sharing your journey and the pic of the beautiful gift from your mom.

June Berger said...

Oh my gosh, that made me cry too. I would sooo tear up every time I looked at it if I was going through what you are. How blessed you are to have a mom who understands your heart...awww.

Praying for peace and comfort for you all.

Anonymous said...

HE put you here for a reason and I think you're doing a great job. Keep up the good work. you might need a mouth piece...that's what i wear because I too clinch my teeth. I'm not so good at letting go...

Jan

Kelly said...

That statue is beautiful! What a great mom you have there!

Praying for you and your family. Here I sit sad, and complaining today... ready to give up. And all I have to deal with are little things.... :(

kirsten said...

Beautiful.

Janell & Kenny said...

Aww your mom is awesome!

Unknown said...
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Unknown said...
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Unknown said...

Mrs. Urban I was having a sucker and I bit on it for fun, turns out I broke my tooth. I went to the dentist and he said I have to have a root canal or my tooth pulled out. I felt horrible after I heard that. 2days before the operation I went to another dentist for advice. He looked at my tooth. He asked me if there was any pain when I broke it," I said,"No" and he said,"Then you shouldn't have a root canal" So he was going to have to put a perminit filling in and I was glad. The drilling getting the old non-perminit filling in sounded scary.Well I'm glad you'r good.