Lessons Learned at the Dentist

Today I went to the dentist after years (I dare not say how many). Though it was not a pleasant experience, it was much better than I had anticipated. In the hours after the appointment I reflected upon it and came away with a few lessons learned.

1. Bad stuff doesn't go away if you ignore it.

In fact, avoiding it only makes it worse. Eventually you have to deal with the difficult things...so it's better to bite the bullet, rip off the band-aid and get 'er done.

2. Rebelling against things that are good for you is, well, bad for you.

Insightful revelation, huh? Flossing, exercising, eating healthy, reading God's word...all are helpful disciplines that for whatever reason I sometimes avoid like the plague. After my dentist appointment I was reminded again at the absurdity of this rebellion.

3. Our words have the potential to speak life or death...why choose death?

Although my hygienist had every right to chide me for the long absence or the issues that had arisen due to that long absence, she instead chose to speak encouragingly. So, where I might have felt discouraged, I felt hopeful. This little truth is a motto for me. Every time we speak, we have a choice to build people up or to tear them down. My hygienist reminded me of the power of choosing the former.

It's funny how even the most mundane experiences can have much deeper lessons to teach us.