You would think after enduring a mammoth and rather traumatising labour just a few months ago that I would have overcome all my fears and feel ready to face absolutely any challenge to come my way, right? Well not exactly in my case.
You see I was long overdue for a check up at the dentist and as I sat in the reception area I could feel my heart beating, or more accurately, pounding in my chest. I could feel panic try and take over so I once more had to practise my calm breathing techniques I used while in labour to try and calm down!
The "Chair"
The moment finally arrived when my name was called and I was ushered into the little room and asked to sit in, "the chair". I did what was asked, thinking all this will be over soon enough and I should be hearing the usual verdict of, 'You've got a good set of teeth there, just make sure you keep on top of your dental hygiene and come back if you have any problems with your wisdom teeth.'
Well I was not so lucky this time as I needed quite a bit of work done which only meant one thing, more visits in the chair! Little did I know that in the next couple of weeks the chair and I would become quite good friends and experience some pretty extraordinary encounters.
The "Encounters"
As you can imagine, I was quite nervous when I had to go back to the dentist but this time actually get some work done! As I took my reclined position, closed my eyes and imagined I was having a nice swim, somewhere far away from this tiny room with drills and needles, I slowly drifted into a very nice place.
I began to pray and felt a tremendous peace wash over me and while my mouth was numb and my teeth were being drilled and filled, I felt Jesus visited me right there in the dentist chair. This happened on each visit I had on the chair with me gaining fresh revelations of different scriptures and generally having what I feel to be very real, spiritual encounters.
I wanted to share this as I believe God can visit us at anytime, in any place and wants to be a part of every facet of our lives. This is nothing new or profound but I do believe life changing as he is eager to meet us and encourage us and transform us, no matter where we are or whom we are with.
While I can't say I am totally over my fear of going to the dentist, I do feel less anxious and dare I say, am even looking forward (kind of) to when I get to sit in the chair again!
"I leave you peace; my peace I give you. I do not give it to you as the world does. So don't let your hearts be troubled or afraid." John 14 verse 27