Clinic Blessings

I used to think that being a dentist, I'd be able to bless people's life. I had all the intention to do what I can to make their lives better, to give them a gift of wonderful smiles, little did I know that the person whose life would change and would be blessed is not just theirs, but mine.

I finally have taste of what it is to be a true clinician. It doesn't matter anymore how well I perform on a dummy head, it doesn't matter anymore what my grades are, what matters is that my patients feel as comfortable as they can, what matters is that their well-being is taken care of, their concerns are addressed. What I thought being a dentist would be has turned out to be a dream come true, only better.

I enjoy my time with my patients, I love talking to them and doing what I can to give them my best. From 8 to 80, regardless of age, they've blessed my life and taught me lessons I never dreamt of having. It has truly been rewarding. I have been taught lessons of patience, of communication, of understanding, of genuine concern and most of all, love.

A patient of mine shared her love story with me and to see a 60 year old lady light up when she talks about her partner just brings so much joy to my heart. She talks to him like they are teenage lovebirds just falling in love again, she talks about him like he is such a treasure to her, he goes beyond the extra mile to care for her and to love her and despite her physical ailments, choose to marry her and take care of her. I respect that love, that intense chemistry and companionship. "How wonderful would that be for every girl to find that perfect man." those were her exact words.

For her, it was just a matter of marrying her best friend. As much as that may sound cliche to many, are words of true wisdom and experience. Girls in this day and age are looking for a guy to TREAT her like a princess, when what they should be looking for is a man who would CHERISH them like a princess. It is for a man to care for her and love her even more than the way he would care for himself. It is for a man to love her selflessly and put her in mind before anything else. These men are rare.

I wonder whether it is because we have STOPPED expecting. I know there are men out there who are like that and I know there possibly are men out there in the making to be like that. I am dating my best friend and he happens to be one of them.

Always a child

I was at Church today and had a chat with one of the ladies, a young mother of two. It was interesting, her thoughts on motherhood and how it exemplified our relationship with Christ, the more she told me, the more I realised, how terrible a child I am.

She gave me an analogy, how she wanted to take her two year old to SciTech for a day out, yet on the way to SciTech, her child kept pointing to a park and said "park, park, park". It was exasperating for her cause she wanted to take her child to a place that was more fun and more exciting than a park, yet all the child wanted was her way. She said, "I want to take her to a better place that would be ten times better than what she wants". 

Doesn't it just sound so familiar, how we as children think we know better and let our folly and ignorance get in the way of God's greater plans. Simply because we think we know better, or we're too stubborn and want our way. Isn't it so true that sometimes we fail to see His greater plans, we turn away from them to fulfil our own desires. How foolish are we.. How foolish have I been. 

She said, ''it's already so hard with a child, we know we love them to bits, yet we have to discipline them at times too.'' We want the best for them, yet they think they know best. Indeed. I image it to be so hard and tough with a child, what more a world of children who not only disobey, but deny, turn away and run from you time and time again. Yet, our God, being so gracious and loving, always chases us and welcomes us with open arms. 

What struck me even more at church today was the reminder that having faith the size of a mustard seed doesn't move mountains. In Mark 11:23 "I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him". This verse is often interpreted as "name it and claim it" but what it's trying to tell us is faith in an act itself doesn't move the mountains, but absolute faith in the PERSON that can move the mountains does, and only God can. Having faith in HIM and HIS will, being obedient and walking with Him in life is what will move mountains. 

It was such a timely reminder of why I'm here and what I'm here for. It such a wonderful Palm Sunday message to bring home and to hold dear that even though I'm the child of God that so often chooses the park over His better plans, yet He still patiently waits for me to follow Him. I am such a blessed child, a child that has been given so much more than I deserve, only because of His grace.