Spiritual Orajel

I currently have a 6 month, 3 week old son named Gentry. He is teething and you can see the bottom two middle teeth trying to make their ascent from the lower gums to be thrust up for all the world to see. It has been an interesting several weeks as he screams and writhes in pain periodically and bites down on everything he can get his hands on. The only thing that has me maintaining my sanity is Orajel. This is a numbing liquid to be put on the baby's gums that allows them momentary relief for what ails them. This process is fascinating to me because I always heard that teething was a painful and fussy experience. My oldest son Reese, however, took teeting with stride and while he had some brief boughts of sorrow with it, he really didn't experience the gut wrenching pain that would cause him to scream out.

This whole situation got me to thinking about our spiritual lives. Some of us seem to reach blessings and mountain top experiences rather easy. We all have our baggage and burdens to bear, but for some people it just seems more easy than for others. Some of us experience momentary discomfort and then seemlessly walk into the favor of the Lord. Others of us are told to give up all we have and experience lives with one trial after the next. As my son Reese showed me, we definitely all go through something, just not the same way. Reese was a rather easy going baby. He slept through the night at 2 months old and like I mentioned previously, teethed with little fanfar. Reese now is a rambuctious wild 3 year old and we are dealing with an iron clad strong will. On the other hand, Gentry has a sweet, pleasant personality, but has many other issues to deal with. He still has never slept though the night and he is screaming constantly with his teething. It makes me think that maybe he'll be a pleasant toddler.

While we don't all face the same trials in life, it is known that we all have our junk. Don't compare yourself with others. Just because they don't have your problem doesn't mean they don't have a problem. The person struggling to pay their monthly bills has problems just like the wealthy man down the street. Just remember that when life brings its trials, suffering, and pain to put a dab of the balm of Gilead on your spiritual gums. God can numb the pain and bring optimism through trial.

John 14:16-18
16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;
17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.
18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. KJV