Recently I had my very first Root Canal and learned the true value of soup. We often think of it as a comfort food on a cold winter night; but, for me the comfort was in not having to chew because my mouth was in so—SO!!—much pain. The only thing that I could equate it to would be a broken bone, of which I’ve had a couple; so, I know exactly what I’m talking about. In the midst of my suffering I decided to make the softest soup I could think of, which happened to be Butternut Squash Soup, and I was “souper” grateful to have all of the ingredients on hand. (See what I did there?)

When I went to the doctor that day, I thought I was just going in for a consultation to schedule a procedure. I knew I was in a lot of pain and the swelling in my face made me look like I had been attacked by a swarm of bees, but I had no idea how bad it was until my consultation turned into an emergency root canal. The doctor told me that I was “about to land in the hospital” because the infection had completely filled my lower right jaw, created a bulge on the interior side of the soft tissue below my gum line, spread to underneath my tongue (this explained the tongue pain that had kept me awake the entire night before—yes, tongue pain—yuck!), and was continuing to spread into my ear and beyond.

You’d think that I would have had a clue that something bad was going on because I had been suffering for no less than six weeks. My husband will tell you that by the time I say anything about feeling bad, it’s bad! Like the urinary tract infection that did land me in the hospital or the cramps that turned into multiple surgeries. The reasons that I have a hard time speaking up when I’m in pain are deep seeded and I know exactly what they are and where they come from. My husband also knows and is very patient and loving toward me but no less firm when he tells me to, “STOP WAITING SO LONG TO GET HELP!” This is advice that should be applied to any area of life where pain is experienced—physically, emotionally, relationally, etc.

Proverbs 11:14 says, “Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.” This is a scripture that I have meditated on so many times over the years. I think that it may be finally sinking in as I am going to try to be more committed to seeking whatever kind of help that I need whenever I’m in pain….even though that may mean another root canal some day; but, at least it’ll be able to be done without all of the added infection (I think you get the metaphor).

What about you, has there ever been a time where seeking help was difficult or have you been able to help someone who struggled with accepting your help? If so, I’d love to hear your story; so, please share it in the comments below and…

Let’s Grow Together!