I’ve Lost My Teeth

Starting the vacation Happy Dance

Reflections:

Three hours past our departure time, my husband, Lyle, and I, and our two teenage daughters were finally pulling away from our southern Alberta home. We were on our way to the State Fair in Great Falls, Montana, but the way our car was packed, it seemed like we were off on a world tour.

I was looking forward to six days of rest and relaxation. No cooking, no early mornings, and plenty of my favorite hobby—retail therapy. We had a poolside room and our girls were ready to find their swimsuits and head to the water. However, my husband (the practical one) decided we would have supper first before the swimming suits came out of the suitcases and everyone headed for the pool.

After a delicious Mexican dinner, I hurried back to our room because I had something stuck under my upper partial plate. As I hurried into the powder room, I took out my “two front teeth” and laid them on a tissue next to the sink. After I brushed my teeth, I wiped off the counter, threw the paper and tissue into the toilet, and flushed. I turned around to get my teeth, but they were nowhere in sight. I ran around the hotel room crying, praying, and hoping that I would find those teeth, but I knew in my heart they were gone—flushed—adios—good-bye.

My family returned to find me flustered and crying. They were clearly concerned, but before I told them what happened to my poor teeth, I made each one promise not to laugh. It did not help one bit. By the end of my story, they were rolling with laughter and asking to see my toothless smile, which only brought more uncontrolled laughter.

I decided right there my vacation was over. I wanted to go home. I told my family I could not spend the rest of the week without my two front teeth.

“Oh yes you can,” my husband said. “All you have to do is keep your mouth shut and no one will know.”  Now, why didn’t I think of that?

I spent the week more quietly than usual. When I sometimes forgot myself or was carried away with the fun and laughter, my teenagers would lovingly point at their teeth to remind me that mine was missing. However, after the first few days, I forgot about my teeth and had a fun, memorable vacation.

If I had carried through with my plan to go home because of pride and concern about how I looked, just think of what we would have missed as a family. My daughter said we were making memories, and she was right. Now that my daughters are grown women, we remember our vacation with great fondness.©

Proverbs 29:23  says, “A man’s pride brings him low, but a man of lowly spirit gains honor.”  How often have I missed the opportunities God has for me because of selfish pride?

Father, Forgive me for my selfish pride. Help me not to miss the gifts you want to give me that fulfill my life because I am thinking only of myself.   Help me to put you first.

Thank you, dear friends, for spending your time with me.

Have you ever had a “Vacation Mishap?” 

 I love you all and am praying. 
 
HUGS,
 Lovingly,  Karan Gleddie