One of our staff stopped in my office the other day.
She said, “I’m here for chocolate.” Years ago, I started stocking my office with candy. I discovered that adults would stop by for chocolates and would often feel comfortable enough to tell me what is really on their minds. It happened that day.
The staff person said, “I am angry that this morning my electric toothbrush did not work. I had to brush my teeth the old-fashioned way.” I could relate to that. An electric toothbrush is a luxury that I also share. She waxed poetic about the virtues of an electric toothbrush compared to the old-fashioned kind. Another bite of chocolate and a deep breath later, she said, “You know we forget our blessings. We should remember all the blessings we have in our life.”
An important Old Testament word is “remember.” The Hebrews were challenged to remember how God delivered them from Egypt. They were to remember the Commandments and the Law. They were to remember to treat the orphans, widows, and strangers with compassion. They were to remember to “love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.
Remember is no memory test but a line of thought that causes one to live differently. When we remember to be thankful for what we have and the source of those blessings we are less likely to be upset when our blessings break.
Your electric toothbrush broke. That is an inconvenience. You have the blessings of an extra toothbrush, right? What about a quick review?
The Egyptians and Babylonians invented the earliest known form of a toothbrush, referred to as a “chew stick.” This rudimentary tool consisted of a twig fashioned with a frayed end, which was used to scrub the teeth clean. The chew stick was an effective tool, albeit crude when compared to the more sophisticated designs that would appear in later centuries.
Meanwhile, in the East, the Chinese were developing their version of the toothbrush. Around 1498 AD, they created a tool that bore a closer resemblance to the modern toothbrush we are familiar with today. This toothbrush featured bristles sourced from the necks of pigs, known for their toughness and durability.
Compared to a chew stick or pigs necks an old-fashioned toothbrush is a real blessing. Have you remembered your blessings? Do you live with gratitude as a theme for your day? Do you thank the source of all your blessings?