Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. – Romans 5:4
I’ve recently mentioned the outdoor shower we have and my high dreams for making it better. But did you know that we also have a mud-bath? It is said that the mud along the Peace River has special restorative power… today I got to find out.
Under that plywood I’m sitting on is a huge hole. A huge MUDDY hole. We’re pretty much at sea level around here. Literally. Water comes up into the street at a very high tide if that tells you anything. So the ground can be a little damp during the rainy season anyway.
Break a main water supply coming into the house, and things get really soggy! Especially if it takes a couple of minutes to get some tools improvised and shut off the water at the meter, which it did.
Here is what happened… my oldest boy and new right-hand man (helping me with work) AJ, is 14 and almost bigger than I am. He and whole concert full of those like him inspired me to write about How To Teenage Proof A Home! I should have included the outside.
AJ nicely rode his bike up to a local shopping spot to see what he might find for me for Father’s Day (isn’t that sweet?!). On his way back he got into a race with his brother (the story is sketchy, but I think Mom was involved too) and big AJ took the lead. He entered the home stretch at high-speed and headed straight for the house.
He realized too late that the brakes were not going to stop him in time and he crashed into the side of the house! Right where a whole group of plumbing pipes come up out of the ground. You can see the tire marks on the wall!
Water was everywhere and we had some pretty serious plumbing issues with two completely broken water lines underground! Fun!
An Opportunity to Teach
Adversity is the best place to teach a boy how to be a man. But it’s not the easiest! In fact, it’s really hard, but it’s much better to be able to say “do what I do” than it is to say “do what I say, not what I do”. So I tried to remain calm.
The best part about the whole thing was when I smiled through the mud on my face and said to AJ, “you know, this whole thing is really a blessing.” He looked kind of puzzled and I reminded him of the Bible verse I quoted at the top of the post. We had been talking about the verse and the whole idea earlier in the week. Now was a chance to show him.
I’ve gone past the place in life where I try and figure out what the Bible means by this or that. I don’t try to analyze how it applies to life today. I just read it and try and do what it says. It says to rejoice in suffering. That’s a tall order sometimes, but it’s clear nonetheless.
I’m thankful that the only suffering I had to rejoice in today was a couple of busted water pipes. I know that many folks are suffering much more serious problems.
But the same thing applies to all circumstances. Suffering produces perseverance, perseverance character, and character hope.
And Hope does not disappoint!
We got it all fixed and it only cost a few dollars in parts. AJ quickly calculated how many minutes he would have to work to replenish his lost money (I made him pay for the parts). So he learned some lessons about the value of work and money too. Overall, the day was a huge success.
And I haven’t even mentioned the sublime bounty from the RG Grill!
I had this feeling your new freedom would bring terrific things! This post is encouraging on so many levels (and challenging too). Thanks so much!
Teenage boys never do disappoint do they? Props to you for keeping your cool and making this a teachable moment 🙂 Tire marks on the wall – jeepers!
Do all things as unto the Lord. The ‘spirit’ of your blog has changed and I know God is smiling. I just can’t explain how wonderful it is!
Thanks for trusting in Him.
Susan D’s last blog post..Is God in the details?
Good for you. I think that our children teach us to love, if we are open to the lessons (not easy!).
Plumbing can be a particularly hard lesson 🙂
Leila’s last blog post..A Little Break for a Wedding
LOL!! James 1:2-4 😀
What a wonderful dad you are to not only be teaching him your trade, but also the Word of God in action!! Kudos!!! Bright blessings to you and your family! LOVE reading your blog!!!
Brenis’s last blog post..Crinkly goodness!!!
A great way to teach children about the Bible is to apply it to life situations.
I am curious about the “sublime bounty from the RG grill.” Were there fish in them there high waters?
I’m just catching up on your last week of posts. Fantastic. God tends to love it when I give up on me so I can get on with Him.
Don’t try to keep your dreams alive. Let your dreams keep you alive.
I really like this new direction your blog is heading. I love all of the remodeling information, of course, and all of the photographic eye-candy, and this just expands the spectrum. Kudos to you on such a well-done and thoughtful approach. Reading your blog is now an inspiration as well as a pleasure.
Great post, Tim! Love the lessons.
blessings,
melissa
melissa @ the inspired room’s last blog post..A Crooked House
Great post!
Jennifer’s last blog post..People Are Just People: Observations from the Pool
Love our teenage kids! Our 2 boys just got home from Mexico building houses. Always an experience and great life lessons learned!