You are the reason I smile

There was a time when all I could think about was being an orthodontist. People look at me all the time, like I’m crazy… who in their right mind dreams about being a dentist. Honestly, I don’t know that I can ever explain it, but here’s what I’ve got. I love to smile, and I love to see others smile. I like to think of the many things that give people a reason to smile. Is it a crush? Is it a certain blessing? Is it the only thing someone can do to keep from crying? Whatever it is, a smile is beautiful, and it says a thousand, trillion, billion words.

Today, I surprised one of the coolest students I’ve ever had. It was no ordinary day for him, no. It was a day that he’ll remember for the rest of his life (if he’s anything like me). He got his braces today!!!! He looked at me like I was crazy for going to the dentist’s office- what he doesn’t know is that it wasn’t just for the dentist, it was for him!! And honestly, he’s right for thinking I’m crazy! I am crazy! I am crazy passionate about his life. As I sat there and “oohed” and “ahed” over his new toothbrush and special floss, I was captured by two of my greatest loves (and yes I know how dorky that must sound!).

Seriously though, my two loves-this kid that I would do anything for, and teeth. His mom told me I need to moonlight as a dentist; that maybe I should have been a dentist, but then Noah looked at me and said “If you had become a dentist, Nicole, I never would have met you.” <–it’s that glimpse of his childhood and sweet heart that keep me so captivated. And as he keeps growing up into this amazing man of God, and I mean literally up, I thank you for reminding me that he’s still one of my kids, and always will be!

And after years and years of that crazy wanna-be dentist dream, I finally woke up. Because he made it all worth it, HE made it all worth everything.

I have fun looking at smiles, talking about ligature wires, and flossing my retainer that my dentist calls my security blanket, but it’s nothing anymore in comparison to feeling loved by any of my kids. A little over a year ago, I met with Rob and discussed my resigning to pursue my dream of a dental career. That was always just a dream, but this has always been my passion–since before I ever knew it! I thank you, Father, for controlling my every move, keeping me here when I did everything I could to try and escape! Thank you for Noah and his love for me! You are the reason I smile–for giving me Noah and others like him 🙂

And then I took Noah to lunch, Justin met us there. Then I dropped him back off at school, and as he got out of the car he said, “Nicole, this has been a great day. I’m glad Justin met us for lunch, and I’m glad you were there today, thank you!”

Noah has one of the most beautiful smiles I have ever seen. In it, I see a man in the making. One that God smiles back at for his humor, his sensitivity, his compassion, his desire to know Him more. I see someone that is making a difference for Your kingdom. He already has, he’s fueled my fire and passion to serve you more!

I THANK YOU FROM MY HEART,

AND I WILL NEVER STOP

SINGING YOUR PRAISES,

MY LORD AND MY GOD.

-PSALM 30:12 (CEV)