Adventures in Dentistry

I hate to admit how long it had been since I'd visited the dentist. Suffice it to say that in the meantime my youngest child has grown up, finished school, married, and got established in a career. But hey, who's counting? Of course I always believed in dentistry. And I have to say, I faithfully brushed my teeth every day. Many of my friends made frequent dental appointments. I made sure the kids went to the dentist when they were young. My wife attended the dentist's office regularly.

My procrastination wasn't the result of an inordinate fear (I tell myself). It was more along the lines of thinking that all the dentists were interested in was my money. Another thing was that some of the dental adherents I knew didn't seem to have much better looking smiles than I did. And further, I didn't want to deal with the inevitable guilt trip that would be laid on me by everyone from the doctor, to the hygienist, to the receptionist! Besides, I knew that someday I would go back.

And I did. Finally. Now I'm set up with regular appointments, and surprisingly, I feel good about it. Oh, I have a long way to go, but I think I'm back where I need to be.

I've known some people who have experienced church a little like that.