Everyday Moments
As a child, visits to the dentist always filled me anxiety. A rule-follower, I always intended to brush regularly but, alas, the flesh was weak in the face of my willing spirit. So, I’d brush my teeth really well before getting in the car, hoping that whatever might have happened during the months of neglect would magically disappear. That temporary shine didn’t fool the trained eye, though, and the dentist would ask me, “Have you been brushing?” To which I’d confidently nod “Yes,” having just done so. His careful inspection and raised eyebrows proved me wrong, but it always made me feel better, somehow.
A recent cleaning appointment with my dentist was similar. I brushed well before I arrived. As I sat peacefully in the chair, hands clasped across my waist, my hygienist prepared to begin. Though I was relaxed, my body tightened a bit when the chair began to remotely lean backward. I haven’t had a cavity in years; strong teeth, I guess, but I still noticed some anxiety. I calmed myself and did what I often do in these situations: watch and pray. I pray about the things that I’m watching in my mind. By that, I mean I silently pray my thoughts to God.
The hygienist was gentle and kind as she got right to work. It’s kind of awkward being eye-to-eye with someone you don’t know; only 8-10 inches separated our faces. She had a pleasant way about her, though; she didn’t ask any questions while her hands were in my mouth. She had these big magnifying-type glasses on, which made her blue eyes look enormous. I couldn’t help but stare into them as she worked. In fact, I could see the reflection of my mouth in her eyes. Generally, I’d say something light-hearted to counter the awkward moment, but my mouth was occupied, so I just endured nervously.
I was impressed with how carefully and professionally she worked and began thanking God for her. “I wonder if she knows Jesus?” I thought. As I looked into her eyes I wondered, “How would you encourage her, Lord?”
For the next ten minutes, I prayed as she worked. When she had finished polishing and flossing and my mouth became my own again, I felt bold enough to say, “You’re a believer in Jesus, aren’t you?” She turned and looked me curiously. “Why, yes, I am, why do you ask?” “Oh, I could just feel the presence of God about you and in the way you do your work.” I said. She seemed to relax and lean back. “I often pray for people when they aren’t aware, do you mind if I encourage with something?” She nodded. “I get the sense that Jesus wants you to know that He loves the way you bring Him into your workspace. Your peaceful and gentle approach reflects who He is, and I think He wants you to know how much He loves you, and that He notices all the small things you do, even when you think no ones else does. You’re a great employee, a wonderful wife and mother, you carry His presence with you, and it’s making a difference.”
With a beaming smile and tear-filled eyes she said, “That’s the best thing I’ve heard all month.”
“Who you are matters in the midst of what you do,” I said.
“Wow, thanks so much.” After an awkward pause, she asked if I want to set up my six-month appointment. “Only if it can be with you” I smiled. She agreed.
After the dentist came to do his inspection, I waited at the front desk for a printed copy of my next appointment. My dentist came out to thank me for sharing what I did with his hygienist. She must have mentioned something, or else he had listened in. “I want to be encouraging my staff like that, thanks.” It turns out he’s a believer, too.
With a pearly white smile, I said, “See you in six months.”
In this Easter season, my light-hearted moment reminded me of a heavier question that Jesus asked three dear friends in the garden of Gethsemane. “Why are you sleeping? Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.”
Watching and praying is to be our lifestyle in the kingdom. May we never become so over-familiar with the gospel that we treat it casually, missing the everyday moments to speak of His love.