The Woodwork Angel

[Guest guest]

 

The Woodwork AngelRead this and ask yourself, who are the woodwork angels in your life? And how can you be a woodwork angel to others?

My teeth screamed. I couldn't neglect them any longer. I finally ignored my fear of dentists and decided to get them fixed. But how? I was a college sophomore and barely supported myself with part-time jobs.

Maybe I could fix the worst one. I flipped open the Yellow Pages and called the first dentist within walking distance. The receptionist told me to come right over. As I hurried across the campus, I forgot the pain in worrying about how I would pay the bill.

In a few minutes I was in a chair being examined by a dentist who said, " Hmm! " as he surveyed the wreckage of my mouth. " Your teeth are in bad shape. "

" I already know that, " I snapped, in a smart-aleck way to hide my fear.

" But don't worry, I'm going to fix them. "

" No, you're not. I can't afford to pay you. " I started climbing out of the chair.

" What are you doing? "

" I told you, I have no money. "

" You're a student at the university, aren't you? "

What difference did that make? " Yes... "

" You're going to graduate in a few years, aren't you? "

" I hope so. "

" And then you expect to get a job, don't you? "

" That's my plan. "

" Well, then you'll pay me. Meantime, you concentrate on your classes and leave the dentistry to me. "

I stared at him. He really meant it. He calmly picked up his tools and fixed the aching cavity.

From that day on, I saw him every week until my teeth were in good shape. And he kept them that way with regular checkups. After graduation, I got a job and settled his bill in a few months.

In the 40 years following, I've learned to call this man a " woodwork angel. " These are strangers who appear out of nowhere - out of the woodwork - when I need help. They've lent and given me money, materials or equipment; they've taught me skills and helped me organize groups; sometimes they've rescued me from danger or making a big mistake. So, dentist dear, wherever you are, bless you and thank you again!