A couple of months ago, I wrote a blog about Theo and his desire to lose some teeth, mostly lamenting that it had not happened yet. We all knew it would happen, and it would take time for those mature pearly whites to start pushing out the baby teeth.
This last weekend, he lost his second central incisor (that’s one of the big ones in front), and there was much rejoicing. The process of losing the tooth is quite extensive. Although Theo wants to get rid of the tooth, he is nervous about actually pulling the tooth. No matter how loose the tooth is, pulling it contains a measure of pain.
Here is a brief rundown of the steps we take:
1) The tooth must be loose-
a. We made that mistake when the tooth was not ready yet.
2) Attach floss to a Nerf dart—
3) Attach floss to tooth
4) Load the dart
5) Fire!!!
If all goes well the tooth comes flying out of his mouth. Why do we engage in these theatrics? Because the anticipation of pain is mitigated with the spectacle of the Nerf shooter. By going through these steps, he can take his mind off of the impending pain.
If we stop and focus only on the pain, we become paralyzed at the thought of what will happen. There is the danger of dwelling on the negative. Theo knows there will be a little pain involved, but by transferring these thoughts to the fun part of pulling the tooth, the severity is lessened.
Jesus tells us as much when we are instructed not to worry.
Matthew 6:27-33 – “And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? 28 And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, 29 yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
Worry does not take away the pain; it only intensifies it. Dwelling on the uncomfortable part of life can only diminish the quality of life. According to Jesus, worry cannot change my physical characteristics, appearance, or even what I put in my body. He then gives us the wisest instructions: in those moments of worry and anxiety, do something. But not just anything; seek God and His kingdom. Striving for God and godly things is the most fulfilling and enriching activity we can pursue. Doing this shifts our focus from pain and suffering to something worthwhile and noble.
Get after it. Share the good news with somebody. Actively draw closer to God through prayer, song, and reading His word. Seeking God is not an easy nor trivial pursuit; it takes intentionality and practice. Ask around. Some people are better at it than others. Find those who live in tranquility and ask how they maintain it.
Like pulling a tooth, do something that takes your mind off the process and pain. Frequently, we mindlessly do this, but my challenge is to seek God when challenges come your way earnestly. It will take your mind off the pain, and it might not seem like you are Pulling Teeth.