Woke up with an abscessed tooth. Pain and swelling. I’ve experienced this before. I know the feel, the look, the process. My first thought: Ain’t nobody got time for this! This does not fit into my plan, my schedule.

I swallowed acetaminophen and intended go to work anyway, but the increasing pain and one look in the mirror at the chipmunk-cheek now adorning the left side of my face nixed that idea. Dealing with 130 thirteen year-olds seemed overwhelming at that point.

After I called in for a substitute teacher, and proceeded to wait for the dentist office to open, I began to ruminate on my situation.

My pastor recently taught that life has distractions and interruptions. One way to tell the difference is that a distraction is a way to get us off course, sidetracked from God’s plan. An interruption is a way to keep us on track, following God’s plan.  God’s plan is to grow me to be the best I can be, so my question is: Where does an abscessed tooth fit in?  Is it a distraction or an interruption?

God often uses natural occurrences to teach a lesson or build our character, similar to an earthly father using a normal everyday occurance as a teachable moment, bringing up his child to be strong and successful. When I  find myself in a difficult situation, I have learned to avoid assuming the enemy of my soul had anything to do with it. Sometimes my situation is a direct result of a stupid decision I made. Other times it is a natural part of living on this planet, its elements taking a toll on my body or my possessions. Either way, might I grow from it? I say, “Yes.”

I release myself into Your hands, Lord, and when all is back to normal, I’ll be stronger and wiser. I hope.

…we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. (‭Romans‬ ‭5‬:‭3-4‬ NKJV)

P.S.  Penicillin was prescribed, with a dental appointment scheduled.  I will relax and let it do it’s work. ( I hope it hurries, though.)  Yes, I still need patience.