Wisdom Teeth.

They took my wisdom teeth on Friday.

Everyone joked that I wouldn't be wise anymore. Who were they kidding? 17 year old me? Wise? Nope. I'm smart, but I've never been wise.

I laughed at their name. "Wisdom Teeth". What a silly name for that last obnoxious set of molars. But I've found that "wisdom teeth are aptly named.

We started back to school from Christmas break last Tuesday. In my time without school I was enjoying leisurely hour and a half long quiet times and reading John Piper books before I fell asleep. Things were good, but I was worried that the responsibilites and deadlines of school would soon stifle my relationship with Jesus. So on Tuesday night, I journaled a prayer: "Jesus, please provide me with circumstances that will require me to place my trust in you." I drifted off to sleep thinking that IF that prayer was to be answered it would simply be in the form of a difficult school week. WOW, did I ever underestimate God's plan.

The next day, Wednesday, the pain in my mouth caused by my wisdom teeth coming in had grown so bad that I checked out of school and scheduled an emergency appointment with the dentist. I showed up at his office at around 9:30 and within half an hour he'd informed me that I needed to have all 4 of my wisdom teeth removed--soon. We immediately scheduled an appointment with the oral surgeon for Friday.

I still laugh when I think about it. God answered my prayer in less than 12 hours. In such a funny way. I had been afraid of having my wisdom teeth taken out for YEARS...ever since I was like 7. It was so humbling to smile to myself, graciously accept the (uncomfortable) blessing, and acknowledge "I asked for it, Jesus." He certainly has a sense of humor. :)

So, just as I asked, all of this has been an exercise in trust--Friday especially. However, trust isn't all that I've learned. I feel as though God has presented me with a new lesson--a new morsel of "wisdom" each day throughout all of this. It's been so exciting to find out what awaits me each day.

As I said, Friday was an exercise in trust. I'm a worrier, but when fearful thoughts would arise, I simply whispered "I trust you, Jesus" and I was immediately reminded of God's sovreignty in all things...big and small. If God's in control, what do I have to worry about. For, "If God is for us, who can be against us." Romans 8:31.

Saturday, I woke up really swollen...with my typically rounded face all squared-off at the jaw. I was puffy and looked like I'd gained 20 pounds but aside from pain caused by swelling I didn't feel bad. I spent my day out-and-about. I went to lunch with my grandparents and went to Starbucks with a friend, I had fun but it was hard to enjoy myself because I was so worried about how UGLY and SWOLLEN I was. It's silly, but my self-conscious thoughts were eating away at my enjoyment of the day. I had planned to go to the youth group semester kick-off Dodgeball Game with friends, but I began to worry that I was so swollen and puffy that maybe it would be better not to go. Finally, I swallowed my pride and dressed in my 80s/Jazzercise attire to get ready for the night. :) I'm so glad I did. My sweet friends were so encouraging...and noone seemed to care that my face was twice the size it was supposed to be. I even smiled for pictures that ended up on Facebook--Haha. Later that night as I wiped my 80s make up off of my face, I looked into the mirror and initially I was angry at the swelling. Within moments, though, I realized how stupid I was being. I realized that the people who matter love me for who I am, not for how much I weigh or how well I dress and do my make-up. The only people that matter love me for me. I realized that I'm beautiful in a way that this world may not always appreciate. I am beautiful because God created me. I am His and He is mine, that's all that really matters. I had a fantasitc time and God really used that night as a lesson in confidence and assurance in who He created me to be.

Sunday's lesson was in brokenness. Standing in Sunday School, my face so swollen I spoke with a slight lisp, I had little reason to be prideful. When the Praise Team began to play, the opening chords of "Blessed Be Your Name" filled the room. "Though there's pain in the offering, Lord, Blessed be your name...." It hurt to even open my mouth and quietly sing along. What a sweet, lyrical reminder that Jesus meets me where I stand.

What a funny, unexpected adventure these past few days have been. Yes, I do believe that "wisdom teeth" are aptly named.