Oral Surgery
I'm really out of sorts today. World travel and life stressors don't mix well together. It's taken a week to get my body clock switched back to Colorado time. Each time I make the trek, I swear I will never do it again and each time my heart yearns for a taste of England, off I go.
This morning I am more cranky and in pain than I would like and the apprehension of an oral surgery appointment in a couple of hours isn't helping. There's something about mouth procedures that is utterly terrifying. In my case, he will be working under my tongue to remove a blocked gland. I feel very out of control in these types of procedures. Relaxing is not natural and holding one's mouth open for an extended period of time is hard on the jaw and neck. No doubt they will have a contraption to keep my tongue from flailing about as well but just the thought of it all this morning gives me the willies. I'm not a stranger to medical procedures, but they never get easier. Today's is necessary because a small lump has formed under my tongue and is getting in the way of my life. Like a cat perpetually licking a wound, I too have licked this spot raw. It's abysmal.
My attention is turned to the verses in James 3:1-12, that talk about the tongue. It's absolutely astounding to me to know this tiny body part contains so much power. Power to tear down and destroy and the power to heal and encourage. I have wrestled with this lump for months and months and it's affected my mood considerably, even to the point of the words coming out of my mouth. I've found it hard to stay chipper and upbeat and every waking second has had my attention on my mouth. Crazy but true. This tiniest of intruders has caused more angst and stress than it ever should have done and I can honestly say I haven't handled it as well as I might have.
On the other hand Scripture also talks about the Lord and His Word as if they are honey and sweet to taste. That paints an entirely different picture of the mouth and its capacity for joy and delight.
When the lump is removed, the journey will not be over. There will be stitches and swelling and pain to cope with for a while. I won't be able to eat normally and I won't be able to speak properly for a few days. But….. eventually my mouth will return to normal and this will be a memory. Until then, I still get to choose what I allow to come out of my mouth. Words of destruction or words of life? Poison or honey? What I do know is that I can't do it alone. Thank God for His helper the Holy Spirit. If I attempt any of this in my own strength, I think I will be extremely discouraged, but knowing God is right here with me makes all the difference. God doesn't spare us from all these unpleasantries in life but He does promise to be with us through them all. I can do this today with the expectancy of His presence and His outcome. That is enough.