You never know where a story idea will hit you. This week I visited the dentist to have a cavity filled. I had some time to think while I was in the chair, and I wanted to share what I learned from the experience. (And no, I wasn’t under the influence of laughing gas while I had these thoughts 😊).

I’ve been very fortunate to have lived most of my life with no cavities. Since I faithfully brush and floss my teeth, I assumed I was responsible for this good fortune. As it turned out, I simply had a passive dentist who wasn’t concerned about the “deep grooves” in my teeth. Every six months I’d have my cleaning, and he would put a “watch” on the teeth of concern. This happened for years. Last year my dentist retired, and my new dentist decided those “watches” needed to be filled. I complied, but deep down, didn’t think it was really necessary. At this last visit, as my cavity was filled, I was informed it was deep, and there was decay close to a nerve. All of a sudden, I had a real, tooth-threatening cavity.

Life lesson #1: Good health is not a matter of pride.

Even if I take good care of my teeth, I can still get cavities. Just like I can eat well and exercise and still get any number of physical ailments. If we have the blessing of good health, we should never be prideful about it.

While sitting in the chair humbled by my new cavity, my dentist started talking to me about the future and what problems I may have. I started to think about the fragility of my teeth and health in general. I’m likely to have health problems as I get older. Almost everyone does.

Life lesson #2: Good health should never be taken for granted.

As I think about how grateful I am to have a dentist who prevented me from a potentially painful toothache or root canal in my future, I’m reminded to enjoy the blessing of every pain-free and illness-free day I have, for so many people do not have that blessing.

Was this all because my dentist decided to retire? Sure, it’s possible he may have eventually filled my teeth, but I’ll never know for sure. This brings me to the last life lesson for today.

Life Lesson # 3: Sometimes we need to look at life with fresh eyes.

My new dentist saw a problem my old dentist did not. By looking at my teeth with fresh eyes, she was able to see the decay threatening the health of my tooth. If I were to look at the tooth, I might say “it’s not that bad,” or “other people have worse teeth than mine.” The fresh eyes caught what could have been a major problem.

Sometimes we need to look at life with fresh eyes as well. Often we’re so busy comparing ourselves to others we may not notice the sins in our own life threatening to promote decay in ourselves. Looking at our lives through God’s eyes allows a light to shine on our sins so we can catch them before they become more than a toothache. The best way to see things through God’s eyes is to read His Word. Won’t you take some time today to see what He may want to reveal to you?

Dear God, please help us to throw away our pride, to be grateful for the blessings you’ve given us, and to see ourselves with fresh eyes. Help us to root out any sins in our lives which may pull us away from You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.