Braces at 30

Today I'm more excited than a middle school girl getting her braces off.

Why? Because I'm a 30-year-old man getting my braces off.

For the last 18 months, I have lived in discomfort (both physically and emotionally).

It has been painful and slightly humiliating at times.

For instance, there was the time that Prodigal Sam tweeted this:

Not going to lie, that one stung a little.

As an elementary teacher, at every appointment I've waited with some of my former, current, and future students along with their parents. That's okay because Disney Channel was always on to make the situation a little less obvious that I was doing what kids normally do.

Not to mention the instant bond I have with most of America's youth population. All the sudden every kid and teenager thought that I was one of them. It's like when you put a tutu on a grizzly bear; they're just not that intimidating.

However, I have learned some things over the last year and a half:

1) God uses the foolish things to shame the wise. I've learned humility. I've laughed at myself a lot. It's awkward having braces at any age. It's even more awkward being a grown up with braces, so there's plenty of opportunities for jokes.

2) God uses the weak things to shame the strong. Getting punched in the mouth is a legitimate fear. Hey, if grown men can be afraid of spiders and snakes, then I can have this. The last 18 months have been wrought with fear that someone might punch me in the face. Heck, today I may just go looking to throw down with somebody now that I don't have to worry about it anymore. Don't worry, I'll make sure it's a fight I can win.

3) Good fowl straight off the bone is better than steak. Seriously, would someone please throw me a freaking chicken or turkey leg?

4) Many people don't pay attention when they talk to you. (I'm guilty of this.) Do you know how many times people I'm around all the time still say, "Hey, I didn't realize you had braces."

5) Braces hurt, are costly, and are all around quite miserable, but they serve a purpose. 

My hero and mentor, Clayton King, got braces at 34. He was actually my inspiration for getting them. He wrote about this experience in a book that you should read (check this out for more information). He compared the pain and discomfort of having braces to the work that God does in us.

This is what he wrote:

"In order for God to bend me, shape me, and turn me into a man who resembles His Son, He has to apply some pressure. And pressure hurts. It's impossible to correct crooked teeth without pain, and it's equally impossible for God to remake us into the image of Jesus without hurting us…This cannot be done gently, though it must be done slowly." (Amazing Encounters with God by Clayton King)

6) Service matters for people coming to you with shame and pain. I can't say enough about my orthodontists, Inman and Inman, and the ladies who work there. Even though the situation was a little embarrassing and painful, I never dreaded the office visits because they took time to get to know me. Taking interest in people makes all the difference.

I'm thrilled to say that today will end an unpleasant phase in my life.

Please pray for me today that I do not eat too many fried chicken legs or start any fist fights with old ladies (I am a yellow belt in the art of karate after all).

Did you have braces? Any advice for this guy?