Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

Written as a letter for all relationships in the church of Corinth, this particular verse holds practical help for many of life’s everyday triumphs (and hardships!). Hidden within its very familiar lines, the secret to loving your spouse, your children, and in our case, your patients, in a 1 Corinthians 13 way will be unveiled in this quick announcement email!

Most of you know Jessica, either from a phone conversation, or as the first face you see as you enter our clinic. What you might not know is Jessica recently celebrated a huge milestone…MARRIAGE! Jessica Evans became Jessica Mortenson as she married her now husband, Kyle, on May 20th! As our team (+ a 10 day old) sat in the pew reflecting on 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 as the priest read, it dawned on me how important these words are and how often they are regretfully seen as cliche. Alas, inspiration for this very email (thank you Jessica and Kyle)! 1 Corinthians 13 speaks to us beyond the sacrament of marriage. Cody and I welcomed Barrett Baldwin Kriegel to our family on May 10th.

Although we’ve been expecting a third child for 9 months, we weren’t entirely prepared for the patience and kindness that love demands. It must be because of the busy season in which we are living, but the way Jesus’ followers needed His constant attention, pushing Him to the point of exhaustion has me thinking that being a parent is very similar to what Jesus must have felt. Jesus gives us, as parents, the perfect example of how to love our children. Our most important job is to disciple them, to teach them how to live and how to love. He was never bitter or angry with those who honestly sought His wisdom and help. Jesus showed a tremendous amount of patience, kindness, mercy, humility, and perseverance with his children— and expects the same out of us if we are truly to love like Him. It must be noted that we’ve had the question, “what do you think about raising children in this crazy world?” a lot lately. Our response?

“In a world full of dragons, we are determined to raise dragon slayers.”

With God, we can do anything, be anything, achieve anything. His plans are perfect and all we need to do is trust. Our mission at Corridor Dental, as it pertains to love, is to be love catalysts, “agents that provoke significant change or action.” 1 Corinthians 13:6 says “Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.” Sometimes, with what we do, what we discuss with patients, the truth is difficult to hear. But you should know, we are here to protect you and persevere towards optimal health through the love of dentistry.

My challenge for you: read 1 Corinthians 13:4-8. Write a list of the practical ways love impacts you and what you’re doing to be a love catalyst in your life. If you’re up for it, send us what you came up with as we would love to hear from you. “Love never fails.” In service to you and your health, Cody and Allison