Tender Mercies

Every once in a while something comes along to remind me how fragile and painful life can be. What amazes me is when Heavenly Father tests me just to my breaking point and then surrounds me with love and blessings. Right now I'm feeling a little overwhelmed with that love.

So back in May I went to the dentist and left with some intense tooth pain that was especially sensitive to temperature, but the pain slowly eased and just became an occasional annoyance. Then last week the pain came back full force. I promised myself that I would make an appointment when the dental office opened up after the weekend. But oh what a weekend that was. Friday night we had a ward camp out, with cold weather that did quite a number on the nerves in my mouth. Saturday I slept basically all day to avoid the hurting. Sunday started okay, but by night-time I had reached my limit. I had used up every level of my pain tolerance. I was incredibly frustrated that one stupid tooth could make it so I couldn't even function.

Are you wondering where the tender mercies come in? Well let me tell you. On the drive back from camping I was able to lose myself in singing with a car full of friends, singing so hard that I couldn't remember the toothache/headache/earache. Then, even though I slept it off all day Saturday I was still able to sleep that night, which was a miracle. And Sunday? Sunday was amazing. We had the most memorable ward conference at church. I was able to feel the Spirit all three hours, hearing the exact words that I needed to hear. That night the Stake Presidency put on a fireside-style ward prayer. It was an amazing meeting that left me brimming with peace and joy.

Later, after we had hung out with some ward friends, I had reached my limit and was sorta sobbing like a baby on the floor. Luckily I have roommates that are so caring and naturally nurturing. They asked some guys in the ward to give me a priesthood blessing. Thanks to that blessing I actually slept last night and handled a lot more pain than I could have on my own. It turns out that I have to have a root canal, but I don't really care. Somehow this weekend was strengthening and I am now so grateful for loving roommates, inspired church speakers, worthy priesthood holders, my grandfatherly dentist, my dad who is so generously covering the bill, and last but not least - I am so grateful for Lortab!