“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
1 Corinthians 10:31 (NIV)
I arrived at the Nursing home one day last week and after greeting the residents in the day room, I noticed that Jon wasn’t in there. So I went to his room to tell him that I was here. Whenever I do that, he usually smiles and comes out to sit with me and the residents.
I looked in his room but he wasn’t there so I went to his nurse to ask where he was. His nurse casually said, “I think he’s in his bathroom brushing his teeth.” I was stunned and asked her, “Jon brushes his own teeth???” She said yes and invited me to come and see.
We both walked to his room and as we opened his bathroom door a bit, our two heads peeked inside, as Jon stood over his sink, brushing his teeth with his left (good) hand. Then he turned to us and asked, “What are you doing?” The whole scene blew my mind. He not only was brushing his own teeth but said something understandable, which made sense.
It made me laugh out loud but also encouraged my faith to believe for his continued progress. It may seem trivial that a 46 year old brushes his own teeth, but it’s a huge step of progress for him after his brain injury. The staff and I attempted to brush his teeth many times over the past three years, but he always resisted us. That’s why I was shocked to see him doing it on his own.
Jon may not be aware, but brushing his teeth was a visible sign of the invisible work that God is still doing in him. If we stop to think about what is different in our lives today compared to three years ago, we would surely find many things to be thankful for, things for which God deserves all the credit. Though we might have new problems today, we have received many new blessings as well. I tend to dwell on the bigger problems, while overlooking the small blessings right in front of me.
Paul told the Corinthians whether they eat or drink, to do all things to the glory of God. Jon was doing something new and when he turned and asked, “What are you doing?” I can now answer, “I am giving God the glory to see you brushing your own teeth!”
If God were to ask us, “What are you doing?” hopefully we can answer with something that gives Him all the honor and the glory. Whether we eat, drink (or brush our teeth), we do it for the glory of God, as Paul told us to do.
The Christian author, C.S. Lewis, said, “When we lose one blessing, another is often most unexpectedly given in its place.” There will always be something right in front of us, to give God the praise, glory and honor for.
Lord, we lift up our hearts to you and give you glory. Help us to celebrate the small and unexpected ways that you are blessing us. Amen
