Who doesn’t like to be comfortable?  Fresh bed linens still warm from the clothes dryer, soft and cozy lounge wear, or maybe lemon tea in a favorite mug…

 I could name one thousand comforts, but we all have days that bring news accompanied by dark clouds. I had one of those days earlier this year.

 No one wants to hear the words “root canal”. Having battled dental anxiety, I am worse than the average patient and formerly needed a prescription for Valium in order to sit in the treatment chair.

When a root canal is scheduled, you are essentially scheduling a day on your calendar guaranteed to bring discomfort. To make matters worse, this would be my second root canal…on the same tooth!!! I recognized the signs very early on, -a small lump on the upper gum line with soreness to the touch. Nooooo! Why did this have to happen a few weeks before an important formal event?!

Yet, there was much to be thankful for, so this is me counting my blessings:

1. This time around, the procedure would be done by a specialist who would save my tooth.

2. Because the problem was found early, I would not risk waking up with a swollen face on the day of my important formal event. (I had this issue the first time around. I woke up with a swollen face while on vacation in Orlando!)

3. The blessings of dental insurance and a healthcare spending account were already in place to cover the costs.

Given all of my blessings, a root canal procedure features some really uncomfortable moments. My vote for worst part is when the dental dam is placed. A close second is the invasive x-ray that requires you to hold the mouthpiece in place while sitting still.

To cope, I made a special jazz playlist on my smartphone and used headphones to drown out the noise of the dental drills. Even though I was grateful to be able to treat my dental problem, it was not fun to walk through the process.

On days like this when I feel a sense of dread, and I know that comfort is not on the agenda, I routinely reflect on this Bible verse:

When I said, “My foot is slipping,” your unfailing love, Lord, supported me.

When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.

Psalm 94:18-19 NIV

 I love that joy is neither dependent on circumstances, nor levels of comfort!  Joy can be found in any situation. Throughout my journey thus far on both good and tough days, I have been refreshed by meditating on a favorite Bible verse.

 How do you cope when you feel uncomfortable?

Hang in there. Help is on the way.