flossing and decay
I received the news October 2020. Thirty-three years old, and I thought I was in the clear.
But a few years of missed appointments had proved me wrong, and I had developed my first cavity.
Until the year I became a mother, I never missed a dental appointment. I went every six months, as recommended, and always received a clean bill of health.
But the minute I had a new baby, my schedule and good intentions went out the window. My failure to rescheduled a cancelled appointment had resulted in too much neglect. Yet from what my eyes could see, everything looked fine.
According to the x-ray, however, a small cavity had formed between my back two molars. And because one molar was slightly leaning into the other, a prime location had been formed for decay.
“How often to you floss?” The dentist could read the concern on my face.
“Never.” I’ve learned there’s no use in trying to embellish the truth. A professional eye can always tell the truth, anyway.
“Flossing will definitely help. Especially in between the teeth where the toothbrush can’t reach.”
Of course, she didn’t need to tell me. I knew that piece of information. I just chose not to practice it. A decision I greatly regretted.
It’s easy to assume things are fine at face value. To trick others, and even ourselves, into believing that nothing is wrong if it’s not evident on the outside. And truth be told, the big shiny mirror the world holds up rarely reveals the true issues within. Instead, it displays only the most appealing reflection.
And yet there are so many issues below the surface that we’ve simply learned to live with. Refusing any help, they erode away our hearts and cause a great damage that we, ourselves, can never undo.
“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” – Hebrews 4:12-13
There is work to be done, and God is not afraid to do it. To dive in and rid us of the decay. And yet, it sounds too terrifying and so we avoid it. It’ll hurt. It’ll be painful. It won’t matter in the long run.
But, my friend, that couldn’t be further from the truth.
“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” – Hebrews 4:15-16
Not only can He do the work, He’s graciously willing. But are you willing to ask and then let Him?
