plans and the purpose that prevails

Too tired to floss

I used to be a dedicated dental hygienist.  Years ago in my former life I would gently scold those who claimed they had no time to floss.  I emphasized the importance of healthy gums and the fact that flossing takes less than a minute.  I encouraged patients to floss while watching TV.  Occasionally a frazzled mother of small children would claim to be too tired to floss.  I clucked my tongue and suggested she floss in the morning.  I could never understand the "too tired"excuse.  "No time to floss" registered little sympathy from me.

I am now one of those whom I chastized.  Four children has left me at the "end of my floss".  At the close of the day I am so spent taking care of the rest of the family I cannot summon the energy to rid my interproximal spaces of plaque.  No one need tell me of the evils of gingivitis.  I know what a periodontist does.  Making the effort to wrap a little bit of string around my fingers is more than I can handle...and I'm even a trained flossing professional!

So to all you ladies who are too worn out for basic dental care...take heart...I am reminding myself, and those of you who are guilt ridden after a trip to the dentist...this is only a season.  Your teeth will not fall out if you take a couple months off.  I know I will eventually begin flossing again...and putting on makeup...and fixing my hair...and wearing clothes that don't have some form of stain from a child...until then, I'll smile. 

Grace and peace!