“Yet I will certainly bring health and healing to it and will indeed heal them. I will let them experience the abundance of peace and truth.”
Jeremiah 33:6 HCSB
“Those who look to Him are radiant with joy; their faces will never be ashamed.”
Psalm 34:5 HCSB
As a young teenager, I learned that I would not get the two adult teeth that were to sit between the front teeth and the pointy teeth. It’s a genetic thing. But as a self-conscious girl, I was disappointed to be a statistic and to stand out.
I first needed braces to make space for my new artificial teeth. Since the surrounding teeth were larger than standard size, some sanding of the front teeth was needed. It was then determined that taking the outsides of the pointy teeth off, while leaving the roots, would provide the best support to cantilever the new teeth.
I would practice smiling in my mirror to prepare for the “big day” when I’d show off my full set of teeth. I’d even spend car rides looking out the side window, smiling extra wide to stretch my facial muscles. A few times, guys would smile back and wave!
And once the teeth were in, I smiled everywhere I went! I’ve since realized that my smile is one of my favorite features.
God made me this way for a reason. I may not have realized the value of smiling if I hadn’t gone through these struggles. I’m also grateful that He has provided dentists and doctors with the knowledge and ability to enhance my smile.
Over the years, I’ve needed additional dental surgeries to keep my smile. I don’t take it for granted.
Smiling shows acceptance, joy, and friendship. It connects our hearts to others and improves our mood.
I’m thankful for my latest surgeon, Dr. Byron Henry, who donates his time and talents to travel the world and provide surgeries for children with cleft palate or other issues that prevent them from fully smiling. These surgeries add to their quality of life by improving their health and well-being. You can learn more at https://www.freetosmile.org/.
PRAYER: Dear Lord, thank You for showing us that even though we all struggle with things that make us feel different or self-conscious, You remind us that we are wonderfully made and deeply loved. Help us to share Your joy with others through our words, actions, and our smiles. In Christ’s name, Amen.
Journal: What makes you smile? Share a smile with someone today!