Braces

No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it is painful! But afterward there will be a quiet harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way. Hebrews 12:11

The orthodontist told me that my eleven-year-old son needed braces. The price seemed a lot for our budget, but if the doctor said he needed them, then I was going to find the money for them.

When I shared what had transpired with Bill, his response was, “Pam, that’s a lot of money. I don’t see it in the budget. Besides, pretty much all of us need dental work, and we’ve all been putting it off until we see how our books begin to sell. I think we should put off the decision for a few months.” Bill had a “wait and see” attitude, and I had a “step out on faith, God will provide” attitude.

I said, “Honey, I just signed my first book contract. I have some speaking engagements coming up over the next few months. I would like to do this.”

“There are other things we could use that money for.”

“But, Bill, the doctor said he needed them.” Then I repeated all the horrible things the orthodontist said might happen to Brock if the problem was not corrected.

“Honey, I just couldn’t live with myself if I could have prevented it. It’s my money.”

Bill, sensing it was a losing battle, said, “Okay, Pam, but this bill is 100 percent your responsibility.”

I threw the “wives submit” stuff right out, thinking I was more spiritual because I had more faith. Well, God did provide over the next few years as I went without all kinds of things to pay that bill. God made sure I kept my word to pay the doctor, but God also made sure I was disciplined by having to give up pretty much all of my expendable income.

Today I am not nearly so spiritually arrogant when Bill and I sit and discuss finances.