I recently had my regular appointment with my dentist for a cleaning and checkup. As always, there was that pause in between the two, when the hygienist had finished her work, telling me, “The doctor will be in to see you shortly,” and I sat in the chair, wondering: What’s he doing? Looking over my chart or finishing up with another patient?
Okay, a dental appointment is something most people dread, but I really like my dentist. He’s an interesting guy, passionate about his trade. We often talk about his kids, two of whom live in Israel. Truth to tell, he knows a lot about me. What could be more intimate than staring inside someone’s mouth? What was I going to do while I waited? I still had the bib around my neck. It would be awkward to get up and get something out of my bag on the floor. Then I thought about a Bible verse I’d read that morning. Could I still remember it? I closed my eyes for a minute. Be transformed by the renewing of your minds...
I concentrated, let go, imagined the renewing of my mind even as I could hear the dentist’s drill in another room and the hygienist working on another patient. Renewing, cleaning, redoing. Giving up my own power for the divine power to do that.
Something far beyond me. Then I opened my eyes and looked down at an electrical cord plugged into a socket. Plugged in, I thought. Yes, that was exactly it. Being plugged in. Even here, even now. Just then my dentist walked in. “How are you doing, Rick? So good to see you.” It was good to see him.
Keep me plugged in to Your ways, Lord, no matter where I am and what I’m doing.
—Rick Hamlin
