Josiah Road

My Teeth: A Tragic Tale – In Seven Acts

posted by Daniel Blackaby 25Jun

Recently I received notice from my dentist that I was past due for my annual checkup. Reluctantly, my younger sister Carrie and I booked appointments. We’ve had very different track records with our teeth. On one hand, Carrie’s never experienced a cavity. Having shared a sink since birth I’m painfully aware of why; athletes have completed Olympic triathlons in less time than she spends brushing. I, on the other hand, got about a one/per appointment ratio going. But this time I was determined things would be different.

Sure enough, Carrie finished her check-up with her perfect record intact. The dentist called me in next.

Now, I’ve always hated dentists; how they insincerely ask scripted questions about your life, then jam mini-vacuums halfway down your esophagus while you attempt to gag out replies. But what gets me most is that with every cavity they re-demonstrate state-of-the-art brushing techniques while slowly reciting some brushing jingle like I’m five. Is anything more humiliating?!

This particular appointment, however, I was prepared. I knew full well that I had thought about flossing the same number of times I had thought about long-haired Tibetan mountain goats, that my current toothbrush’s lifespan dated back to the Victorian era, and that every time I smiled into a mirror I half-expected to see Dorothy and Toto skipping along my teeth singing, “follow the yellow brick road…” So I went out and purchased a high quality tooth-bleach-kit. POOF! My teeth were white as snow! My dentist would never know the difference!

Confident in my scheme, I cheerfully popped into the chair and flashed a dazzling smile. After all the usual torture was performed, my dentist returned holding my x-rays. He looked stunned. HA! Didn’t expect these perfect chompers did ya!

Taking a deep breath he began: “Have you been brushing your teeth daily?” How rude! Defiantly I shot back, “Of course! TWICE a day actually! THRICE a…”

“Mr. Blackaby you have three cavity’s…” THREE! In one appointment! Wow, I never thought… “…on your bottom jaw…there’s another four on the upper…Now, allow me to demonstrate some helpful brushing techniques.”

It took three full appointments to complete my fillings. My little sister remarked on the drive home that they could construct a smart-car with the amount of tin they had crammed into my teeth.

As Christians today, do we ever confuse quantity for quality? I’ve been guilty of waking up, skimming a few verses, muttering a half-hearted prayer, and then labeling it my, “Daily time with God.” However, it lacks the time or focus to have any real impact on my life. It serves no real purpose, other than allowing me to go throughout that day feeling guilt-free and accomplished.

Lately I’ve come to understand that daily, does not always equal quality. What does your devotion time look like? Don’t be satisfied with your devotions by their regularity alone, continually strive to go deeper.

Pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks. 1 Thess. 5:17-18