You Don't Have Because You Don't Ask. So I Asked.

 

1979. That's how long I've been in the dental field. I've mostly worked two places the longest: one for twenty seven years, and the other, for almost twenty. I've had small supplemental jobs a day or so a week also in dentistry. 

When I graduated High School, I attended Bradford Business School for a nine month course. I didn't have anything else in mind at the time, so I thought secretarial work was the hot set up. I did great at typing, and I loved shorthand. The English and Math courses were excellent. I'd surely use these things in my future. Until I didn't. Well, at least not right away... 

All the secretarial jobs were located in downtown Pittsburgh, a drive or bus trip I wasn't willing to make. I'd already done the nine months of Pittsburgh and knew it wasn't for me. So I waited and watched.

My mother saw an ad for a local dentist office in my town. Dental Assistant: Will Train. Mom thought it would be interesting to check it out. So I did. Oddly, it was my own dentist that was hiring. But he had a new associate who needed the assistant. I dressed up, went on the interview and got the job! I had no idea what I would be doing, but never thought it would entail, bleeding gums, decaying teeth, and saliva! (Yuck!)

There was a moment I didn't think I could do it, but our front desk lady talked me through. When she showed me that I was helping people, not hurting them, it opened my eyes to what I was meant to do. And after a time, I ended up not only assisting, but doing front desk duties which would be something that I did for years. Finally, I was using the typing and grammar skills I'd learned in business school!

I met many wonderful people as patients through the years. I always enjoyed chatting with them, listening to their stories, calming their fears. I truly feel that it was God's desire for me to work well and be kind. I never faltered from that. 

Last year I began thinking about retirement. My husband has been retired for four years. Though I still enjoy what I do, I felt that I was slowing down. It takes longer for me to figure certain dental computer issues. It is especially difficult driving at night and Heaven forbid, driving in the night and the rain. Or the snow. I'm tired now. I want to slow down.

I started praying in earnest, "Lord, you know my heart's desire. Help me to know the right timing. Help me to know what is best for me to do. I don't want to leave my current office without help, so show me the way." But life kept happening, and I never brought it up to my boss or co-workers. Would they be receptive when I did? I had a goal of wanting to be done by June of 2026. But would we find someone by then in an ever changing field where people may only work out for a month if even that?

Last Monday as I was driving to work and enjoying my quiet prayer time, I felt empowered for bold prayer. "Lord," I asked. "I am going to ask you for something. Would you please show me a sign. One that I can't miss. One that is right in front of me that I know is from you. You know we need another helper. You know I have the desire to retire. Please, give me that sign."

I got to work and began a super busy day. The first of the year brings a lot of dental insurance changes and so much to look up for our patients. But a little later in the morning, something odd happened. My boss mentioned a girl who'd just left her position at another office he worked at on Friday's. She texted him to mention "When Karen retires, please think of me."

I almost fainted! She was the very person I'd wanted so badly for our office. I didn't think she would leave the other place any time soon, but here it was: a gift. One that was wrapped in pretty paper for me. The sign. The bold prayer I'd said was being answered right before my eyes. 

I mentioned this to my boss. Though it was months earlier than I'd wanted to go, I knew we had to grab her before she went elsewhere. I looked up and said, "God, you truly have a sense of humor."

As of this writing, I am training our wonderful new girl. She is so good at what she does, that there isn't much I have to do. I may have only another week to work, but I am looking forward to my near future with hope and with joy. Hope that the Lord will open another door, perhaps a part-time job I can enjoy and meaningful volunteer work. Open doors to my husband and I taking more small trips. Spending quality time with my brother and son. Seeing dear friends. Yes, I am ready. I am grateful. Yes. I Asked.