Holes – a hole is usually made by something being removed which leaves an indention or depression of some sort. A few weeks ago, I cracked a tooth. Thank goodness, it was one that had had a root canal in the past, so there were no raw nerves exposed. Today, I finally got into the dentist to get a temporary crown, but. . . the tooth was cracked down below the gum line and it couldn’t be saved. In fact, it had to be surgically removed – a little piece at a time. (Yes, my jaw HURTS!) This may sound silly, but I’ve never lost a tooth before. It feels so strange, and I’m a little sad. The hole is a constant reminder that it’s gone.
I know that so many of you have had to deal with “holes” in your life. Whether it’s the loss of a loved one through death or divorce, or the loss of friendship caused by moving to a new town or getting a new job. I always miss those that are left behind. This year, we have all had “holes” to deal with. Our schedules are not the same. Our worship service times have changed. We’ve stopped shaking hands, much less hugging. We sit and stand six feet apart. We drive through and pick up supper instead of going in and sitting down around others. Families struggle to see each other, especially when a loved one is in the hospital or nursing home. I’m afraid that there will be many “holes” around the Thanksgiving dinner table this year. So sad. . .
As far as my dental woes, I was told that I could get an “implant and crown” to fill the spot where my tooth once was, and I might do so in the future. But, it will always be a substitute for the “real thing.” Once again, the motto “Monitor and Adjust” will come into play. The Lord told Ezekiel, “I looked for someone among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found no one” (Ezekiel 22:30). Will you step up and “fill in the gap?” Simply blessed, Courtney