LEsson at the dentist

So I am sure this is understandable but I hate going to the dentist. I always get in trouble for not flossing.  And I have TMJ (tight jaw) so the whole process hurts. And I feel dumb. My normal procedure is to gut through it in annoyed silence and then slink pitifully back to my car to sit in in sad flossing shame.

I've tried in the past to floss. Usually this happens about three days before my appointment. Guess what? It never made a difference. Three days before doesn't cut it. Shocker. 

A couple of months ago I read an article on Facebook about 10 things old people want you to know.  I would share the link, but I can't find it. Grrrr. The internet is a love hate thing with me.  Anyway, read the article and one of the things old people wanted me to know apparently is to floss my teeth.  Hit me hard when the article said (and I'm paraphrasing).  "When you are fighting with dentures, that whole brush your teeth and floss daily seems shockingly simple and easy".   Yikes.

So I started flossing. Every day. 

Then today happened. 

I had a dentist appointment. I was kinda excited. I wondered if my flossing would have made a difference.  I smiled on my way in.  I wasn't in my usual silent moping mood. 

The dental hygienist asked me if I was on a work break. Normally I would have said a simple yes and stayed quiet as I waited for the torture to begin.  This time I didn't. I chatted with her about what I do in my day job and my blog. 

This lady was the best hygienist I ever had.  Kind. Compassionate. Gentle. 

I didn't get in trouble for not flossing. She said my teeth looked good.  YAY. 

As we chatted, we discovered we have two different mutual friends. Goodness the world is small. I told her she was the best ever and she smiled.  My change in habit made all the difference. 

So what did I learn? 

1. I NEED TO DEAL WITH MY JUNK.  This time it was my teeth.  Guess what? When I listened to the experts and actually put a good habit into practice it reduced my own pain.   

2. BE OPEN WITH PEOPLE.  When I dealt with my garbage I was able to be open with a new person. This gave me a way better experience and I think encouraged her day as well.  

What habits do you need to conquer?  

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