Going into dental school, I wasn't completely sold on the idea of being a dentist. As much as I wanted to be (and as discouraging as it was knowing all my classmates were), there was (and still is) a part of me that would very much rather be doing something else (photography, fine art anyone?).
Yet I realize this is the dilemma of our generation. As a generation of twenty-somethings, we all are seeking fulfillment in our careers and professions, treating work as though it should be our life's purpose. Don't get me wrong--some people are meant to find careers that they are passionate about and find meaning in. Yet for the majority of us, our jobs/careers/professions are meant to be what they are: work.
God cursed us upon the fall of man to work:
"... therefore the Lord God sent him out from the garden of Eden to work the ground from which he was taken" (Genesis 3:23).
An elderly patient came into the clinic a couple weeks ago. He explained to me how much he hated practicing piano as a kid, but he kept playing knowing that that was what would be his profession. That persistence translated into opportunities to play in the army orchestra abroad, and eventually a profession in music. As he was leaving, he told me to keep practicing dentistry knowing that it'll open up doors for the future.
I'm not pursuing dentistry so much because it is my life's passion. I'm going into this profession because it is my calling. I have been called, as a Christ-follower and disciple to become a dentist because it will open up doors to serve the Lord. The path won't be easy and I won't always agree with it; but this is the cost of discipleship. As much as I've struggled and am struggling with this, I know that He has left me in this narrow cleft to wrestle and know that He is God and I am not.
So that is why everyday I choose dentistry.
