But my dad knew how to work and he worked night and day on a variety jobs to support his family. Unfortunately his first "regular" job was teaching school in Doylestown, PA. He earned a great beginning yearly salary of $1,100. But that wasn't enough to fully support the three of us. So, for about a year my mother and I lived with his parents in Sunbury and he commuted to and from Doylestown each weekend.
Until I entered first grade we made six moves as dad took on various jobs. We finally purchased our first car when I was in second grade. Then we made two more moves until dad obtained a permanent job at RCA in Lancaster.
Growing up I didn't regret not having much. I never really thought about it and I never considered us to be poor. I seldom had new clothing, but I always had nice clean clothing. We never went out to eat. We never went on vacations although we usually got to our camp meeting for a week in the summer. We never went to amusement parks or fairs.
But life was good and the Lord provided all that we really needed. I have no regrets .... well maybe one regret.
I was born with an overbite and my parents couldn't afford braces. So I lived with that. My dentist did suggest that when I could I should put pressure on my top teeth with my finger. He thought that this pressure might work like braces ... but it didn't. One day in sixth grade I was doing this while listening to my teacher, Mr. Stark. Suddenly he stopped and told the class that we were too old to be sucking our fingers. I knew exactly who he was talking to and I was embarrassed and never did it in school again.
Now nobody ever commented about my overbite and the only time it creates a problem is when I am eating - especially onions! I can't bite things like onions. But there are worse problems in life.
However, recently we went to a restaurant for lunch - not a fast food joint. I ordered a cheeseburger with a slice of onion and a tomato. When trying to take a bite I pulled out almost all of the contents, all over my shirt and my face. I just couldn't cut it with my teeth. It was a mess and an embarrassment. And as it happened the thought went through my mind, "If only my parents could have afforded braces for me - seventy years ago". But they couldn't and I survived anyway.
Now i am told that I could still get my overbite fixed. But why would I spend that money now for something that I will only need to deal with for a few more years.
I wonder, will I need teeth in heaven? And that is an interesting question.
1. Jesus has a table spread
Where the saints of God are fed,
He invites His chosen people, "Come and dine";
With His manna He doth feed
And supplies our every need:
Oh, 'tis sweet to sup with Jesus all the time!
"Come and dine," the Master calleth, "Come and dine";
You may feast at Jesus' table all the time;
He Who fed the multitude, turned the water into wine,
To the hungry calleth now, "Come and dine."
2. The disciples came to land,
Thus obeying Christ's command,
For the Master called unto them, "Come and dine";
There they found their heart's desire,
Bread and fish upon the fire;
Thus He satisfies the hungry every time
"Come and dine," the Master calleth, "Come and dine";
You may feast at Jesus' table all the time;
He Who fed the multitude, turned the water into wine,
To the hungry calleth now, "Come and dine."
.
3. Soon the Lamb will take His bride
To be ever at His side,
All the host of heaven will assembled be;
Oh, 'twill be a glorious sight,
All the saints in spotless white;
And with Jesus they will feast eternally.
"Come and dine," the Master calleth, "Come and dine";
You may feast at Jesus' table all the time;
He Who fed the multitude, turned the water into wine,
To the hungry calleth now, "Come and dine."
