Friday, February 10, 2012

Running Water and other little blessings

Yesterday the shower in the kids' bathroom wouldn't stop running. Full blast. Patrick turned the water off outside the house once we filled up lots of pots and pans and half gallon jars.


I found a bolt embedded in one of the car tires. And worse, found out that one of my friends was in the hospital.


Got an uncomfortable, unfriendly phone call, and decided I should call it a day.


Since the plumber couldn't make it to the house yesterday, I broke down and ordered pizza for the kids, who were delighted to eat a bunch of white flour and chemical laden sauce and pepperoni! Too hard to cook up all our delicious veggies with no water for pots and pans.


Have you ever reached the tipping point, when you realize it is humorous, how many things can go wrong in one 24 hour period?


I went to bed, watched a movie, and slept hard, waking at 7:30am, nice and late. Which was fine because the kids were home with a day off from school.


Suddenly energized, I decided to mill and bake anyway. We had set aside several gallons of clean water for coffee, pot washing, hand washing, and I put on some Emmylou Harris. Things are not going in my normal order. The plumber came much later than he thought, but all is working now, and the bill wasn't astronomical. Some bread will be baked before the day is over. The sun is shining, and seems as if the rain has passed us by. Girls have been playing happily together with their toys for hours.


All my problems haven't faded away, but I feel much better today. Yesterday's devotional in Jesus Calling (thank you, Dixie Farmer!) reminded me that my life journey would not be an easy road, but it would be a delightful treasure hunt if I would keep my eyes open. That hardships, a necessary part of this journey, would be "meted out ever so carefully, in just the right dosage, with a tenderness you can hardly imagine."


I still haven't figured out what those treasures are in the middle of my paltry, trivial annoyances and the great big significant trials. But I am trying hard to keep my eyes open. The joy of running water after having to do without for 30 hours is delightful. And makes me think of those people who are far from running, clean water. I pray that running water would be accesible to all people, especially mothers with little babies, as I think of the people I met in India who not only didn't have clean water, but lost their homes, possessions, churches and many loved ones.

5 comments:

Stephen said...

Kind of sounds like something the priest at my old parish used to say: How do you make God laugh? Tell Him your plans...

gayle said...

ypu are a source of wonder. I read your words and marvel at your honesty and strength.

gingerhillery@mac.com said...

So true, Stephen! Gayle, I am definitely NOT strong! But limping along, day by day. Thanks for commenting. People would probably be more comfortable if I were less honest! Thanks for the encouragement. It helps when I wonder why I write in this thing...

Greener Pastures--A City Girl Goes Country said...

You remind me to keep my eyes open.

No, we would not be more comfortable if you were less honest! Honesty shows us many things. One important thing is that we are not alone.

Anonymous said...

..at times it is better/wiser to let nature take its course...for many reasons.


years ago we use to play the game; 'whats the best luxury'- running water (in door plumbing) or heat- and explain why- the why gets one thinking....