Excerpt from Philippians 1: 3-4

"Every time you cross my mind, I break out in exclamation of thanks to God. Each exclamation is a trigger to prayer. I find my self praying for you with a glad heart."

Reflection by Lillian Daniel
    
One of the great pleasures of writing the daily devotionals is hearing from readers, like Jim Cope, a full-time dentist and a part-time licensed minister. I have to admit; the mix of those two callings fascinated me—the caring for souls and the caring for teeth. I told him I was interested in hearing about how being a dentist connects with the church, so he shared something he had written for his church newsletter:   

"Over the years, the one aspect of general dentistry that I have enjoyed is caring for families. I have spent many appointments drying the tears of someone who has just lost a spouse, child, or loved one, giving comfort to someone facing surgery or diagnosed with a terminal illness, listening to someone in the midst of divorce, and laughing with someone over the 'joys of parenthood.' I cherish these parts of my day immensely, maybe even more so then the actual fixing of teeth. What most people probably never realize is that they become a real part of my life. When the day is done and I think over the encounters I have had, these people are in my thoughts and prayers."

What a beautiful reminder this is that every type of work can be a ministry. Anyone who deals with people can be a loving a pastoral presence, even someone heading toward your aching tooth with a drill!

Most of us don't look forward to going to the dentist. It's not particularly enjoyable to have cavities filled or gum surgery performed. But the manner and attitude of the dentist can make all the difference. And let’s not forget to include the dental hygienist, the receptionist, the clerk at the grocery store and the bank teller who cashed your check that morning. All of us can approach our work as our ministry.

Prayer

Gracious God, allow me to do my work with a loving heart and a prayerful manner, so that I may be a blessing in someone's life today. Amen.

About the Author Lillian Daniel is the senior minister of the First Congregational Church, UCC, Glen Ellyn, Illinois. She is the author, with Martin Copenhaver, of This Odd and Wondrous Calling: the Public and Private Lives of Two Ministers.

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