I’ve finished my first week of my sabbatical. it has not been what I expected. All this week I have had pain in my mouth and jaw. I’ve been to the dentist and medical doctor. The good news, I don’t have any cavities, the bad news, I’ve been grinding my teeth. This has caused me a lot of pain and consternation. I got a plan from my doctors to get rid of the pain, but how do you stop grinding your teeth when you are not aware you are doing it? It is not something you do consciously, so how do you stop and subconscious act? This whole dilemma about the grinding of teeth is some how a metaphor for my first week’s reaction to being on sabbatical. So far I’m not very good at being on sabbatical. No retreat center and vows of silence. No 24 hours around the clock Bible reading. No visits with a spiritual director; just day to day life, but without the church activity. I don’t want to sound ungrateful, because I do appreciate what a huge gift I’ve been given. I guess it is just not the start is was expecting. Me learning to be on sabbatical is like me trying to not grind my teeth. I don’t know when I grind my teeth so I don’t know when to stop. I don’t know a life apart from the Church, so I don’t know how to stop doing church stuff, or at least thinking about doing church stuff. So much of what I do has become so second-nature to me; I don’t know what an alternative is. Some people would say I am unconscious most of the time, but the work I do in the context of the church is so much who I am, it is like I do it in a semi-conscious state. I don’t know where the “off” switch is. It will be good for me to be away. It will be good for me to operate in a different environment. One week is not the measure of my sabbatical, I know. I will find great reward from just being still, I’m sure. But for now I’m grinding my teeth and my mouth is sore. I remember some other people, delivered from captivity and not knowing how to deal with their new found liberty. They were a “stiff-necked” people who grumbled and complained to God. Did you bring us out here in this wilderness for us to perish, they asked God? God probably wanted to grind God’s teeth, but He took a deep breath, I suppose and said, give it a little time. I think I will stop grinding my teeth – however you do that!
Penny Gamble
Nov 15, 2010 @ 17:03:27
Hi Mark,
What a great analogy. Your sentence, “I will find great reward from just being still…” is probably the clue to getting the most out of this sabbatical. When I am still long enough God will speak. Staying quiet long enough for Him to get a chance it speak is my problem because I need to fill up that quiet space. I’m uncomfortable with too much quiet. Let us know how that works for you. As you said, give it a little time.
As for the practical problem of teeth grinding, try wearing a mouth guard at night when you sleep.
Love ya,
Penny
jim peterson
Nov 15, 2010 @ 17:20:48
The dentist can fit you with a teeth guard or you can go by the sporting goods store and buy one like the football players use and fit it your self. We grind our teeth at night. At least I did until there is almost nothing left to grind. We already miss you .
Pam Vandermey-Collins
Nov 15, 2010 @ 18:40:56
Start a personal journal Mark. It seems to me that you have much to say that is not yet able to be said, or perhaps to be said without doing harm. If someone read my journal it would make their hair stand up and fall out. But I am unable to say a lot of things because it would only do harm, and so I journal when things make me grind my teeth.
I miss you and we love you very much! …Pam
Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
Winifred Lutz
Nov 15, 2010 @ 20:04:06
Mark and Cynthia,
Thinking about both of you and wishing you a time of healing, loving, resting, and grinding teeth problems under control.
Some of us rebel at change, others accept it for a new challenge, and others resist. I guess I am a little of all.
Sunday screen suggested we remember both of you in pray. I am doing that.
Remember…..WE ARE THE CHURCH AND WE WILL SURVIVE.
You won’t be having any cruise ship explosions.??????? Now, Mark, you did book the RIGHT cruise ship? I am not sure what the problem was on the Mexican R. cruise but those people were very glad to be back on land. Your cruse trip sounds exciting with many new places to see and people to meet and room service, sitting on deck, sleeping late, buffets , and time for enjoying each other.
Wishing you fun, relaxation, and the blessings of our Lord surrounding you with the gift of everything you need during these months.
In love, Winnie