Nancy Miller Going all in

There are things in life that we don’t like to do but know must be done. Going to the dentist is at the top of my list.

My first visit was at age six. My top front baby teeth refused to fall out, while the permanent teeth were already coming in behind them. I had no idea what to expect. I vividly remember sitting in the waiting room, hearing the shrieks of the child ahead of me in the exam room. I also remember my mother calmly assuring me that everything would be okay. That first experience stuck with me. Even though most dental visits are not unpleasant, they still make me nervous–especially when they ask if any teeth are bothering me, I confidently answer “no”, and then they proceed to find something anyway!

Well, yesterday they found something.

Those of you who know me well, know that I like to remind you all of how special I am. To prove it, I currently have three crowns and, in a few weeks, I’ll be getting my fourth.

That got me thinking about the crowns we will receive in heaven. According to Dr. David Jeremiah, Scripture speaks of five crowns: the imperishable crown, the crown of rejoicing, the crown of glory, the crown of righteousness, and the crown of life. These crowns are rewards given to faithful servants of God. While I know that salvation comes through grace and not by good works, I sometimes wonder whether I have been faithful enough to receive a crown that I can one day lay at the feet of Jesus.

Just before my father passed away, he needed both a tooth repaired and a cataract removed. Because he was quite ill, some people couldn’t understand why he was so determined to have those procedures done. His reasoning was simple: he wanted his vision clear so he could see Jesus when He came to take him home, and he wanted his tooth fixed so he could eat when he got to heaven.

That was Dad’s logic.

Using that same logic, I just want you all to know that I’m working on crown number four–so the rest of you may need to step up your game! 😃

After all, I’m trying to be prepared for heaven!