Yes, we recently experienced “two” of “those” days in a row. Usually, I might say “one of those days”. Not this time.
The washing machine alerted us to a problem by making banging sounds during the spin cycle. The load was normal. No off balance items.
Then, water appeared from under the machine and crept out onto the floor. We called for repairs and a few days later, the technician arrived. The man entered our home with tools and questions. “When did this start? How loud is the banging? Did you have too many clothes in the machine? ”
After I supplied answers to what seemed like an interrogation, he went to work. Moving the washer away from the wall, removing sections of the machine and trying his skills at fixing “the problem”.
Not long after his arrival, he put the washer back together and suggested I contact them if there was still a problem. He told me to wash smaller loads. I responded “There’s only two people here. The loads are never huge.” Placing a big smile on my face, I wondered if he would give me the diagnosis for the machine.
“Just let us know if you still have a problem.” He suggested.
He left and I washed a load of clothes. Yes, loud banging and water on the floor.
Another call has been made to the company. We wait for a response.
Then… yesterday our local cable company was out of service for over ten hours. The neighborhood and surrounding areas were in an uproar over losing phone, internet and television. For people who work from home, this was a big inconvenience.
Calls were made. Comments were written on social media. We waited like everyone else for the system to return to normal.
While these events are not terrible, they were a definite change in the routine.
These problems provided time for reflection, patience and prayer. While blood pressures may have risen, pulses may have raced and patience may have worn thin, we used this time to read books, have conversation and enjoy the quiet. Well…quiet when the washing machine wasn’t turned on.
Our kind son and daughter-in-love allowed us to use their washer while we waited for repair day.
Today, the cable is back on and things are looking better. Prayer during stressful times is a special blessing.
Have you ever experienced “those days”? I always ask God what He wants us to learn from times like this. I know He has a plan and there is a message for us.
Keep smiling, pray and ask Him for answers. Find some beautiful flowers like the ones above and enjoy His creations.
Blessings,
Mimi
Flowers always make me feel better!
Me, too Janet. Have a blessed week!
Hope all is well soon, Melissa!
Thank you Gail. Have a blessed week!
I agree with your recommended solution. Our Creator God of the universe is pleased when we cry, “Daddy, help me!” I’m not saying He orchestrates the broken washer or internet crash. Such are part of the territory post Genesis 3. Thanks for the reminder.
Thank you Richard. Prayer always helps bring comfort.
Sometimes when it drains it pours…it seems to quit storming the next morning. We just need a fresh start. Hope your weekend is peaceful..
Yes, a fresh start gives a chance to start over with a different mindset. 🙂
I think my earlier comment disappeared, Melissa. I hope things improve for you. Like you, I don’t do well when my routine is disrupted. Thanks for the beautiful flowers! <3
Today is a new day full of blessings. 🙂 Have a wonderful day!
‘Those days’ too often trigger frustration but also remind me how tied I am to my routine and expectation of comfort. They convict me of how much I stress over ‘first world problems’ that have no value in eternity except in my response. I can glorify God with my response, or throw a fit. I’m trying to more of the first but it’s a work in progress.
Even during frustration, if we pause and reflect, blessings can be found. Have a wonderful day! 🙂
I understand! You are right. Taking advantage of the quiet and reading is the best way, but I always have to fret first. I hope your washer machine is fixed soon!
Yes, I fret first and relax second. Today will be a better day. I have already found things to giggle about. 🙂
Isn’t it just like God to test our patience and see how we will handle it? It sounds like you passed the test, dear Mimi. It’s a good reminder to be ready when life takes an unexpected turn!❤️xoxo
Washer is still broken. This morning is sunny and birds are singing. I am finding joy already. 🙂 Have a blessed day!
Good message.
Thank you Carol. Life has ups and downs. I choose to find joy in the simple things. Have a blessed day! 🙂
They always come, don’t they. I comfort myself during these days by realizing how great the blessings are of electricity, running water, modern plumbing, and washing machines. Most of the world doesn’t have these treasures. When I remember that, it definitely quells the complaining and out-of-sorts emotions as we deal with our inconvenience. We depend on technology and appliances so very much!
Amen. Remembering our blessings helps during times of trouble. Have a wonderful day! 🙂
I hear you. Unfortunately I’ve had too many of those days!
Praying everyone enjoys a great day! 🙂 Hugs!
I certainly have experienced those days! You are so right in that, when we take a step back and a deep breath, we can remember God provides us with those times for us to remember His provision in all things!
Yes, taking a step back and remembering all that God provides truly makes me feel better. Have a wonderful week! 🙂
“Those” days are always hard! It’s funny, though, that no matter how rough things are, stepping outside and centering myself in nature (or even just looking out the car window at the trees and clouds above) helps put everything into perspective. It’s still hard… the problem is still there… but I feel God, and that’s what matters.
Yes, yes. Remembering God is with us at all times brings peace. Have a blessed day!
When things get like this, one on top of the other, I often ask God what it is He is trying to teach me! Hope all is well now.
Today is a great day. Washer is still not completely fixed but usable. The sun is shining and I am thanking God for His blessings. Have a wonderful day!
It is interesting the things that we take for granted, until they stop working. I’m glad you were able to get beauty, love and perspective out of inconvenience!
Yes, there is always a way to find a different perspective. 🙂 Have a blessed day!
Yes, Melissa, when an appliance or convenience like the washer is on the brink, it often throws us out of kilter. It does me. Right now our clothes dryer is acting up, not drying well or taking long periods of time. I ask the Lord to help me be grateful for these modern day-to-day privileges that some do not have.
Hope your dryer is fixed soon. Yes, I agree. I am grateful for the modern day-to-day privileges we have. In the midst of trials, we always have Him. We can find joy in life one way or another. Have a blessed weekend! 🙂
We are so used to having things work according to our plans and schedules and when things go side-wise it can be really challenging. We have so many things that make our life run smoothly and efficiently it is hard when one of the stops working. But knowing that each hurdle or challenge is a moment to draw on God’s provision and protection is reassuring. Blessings.
Amen. Yes, in each stressful moment we are blessed to be able to call on Him and know He is with us. Have a wonderful weekend! 🙂
I have to keep telling myself that interruptions like that build my character! 🙂
I agree. Odd things keep happening and I have to laugh. I refuse to be upset. I will trust in God and His plan. Have a blessed day! 🙂
Sorry about the curve balls, Melissa. No fun. But I like your outlook and that you go to God in prayer. And I like your phrase: “daughter-in-love.” So special.
Thank you Stephen. No matter what happens, I try to find the good in the situation.Sometimes I can find the good right away and sometimes not so quickly. 🙂 Yes, she’s a wonderful “daughter-in-love”. They have been married for over 5 years. We love her so much. Have a blessed week!
Those interruptions usually show us (or at least me) that I’m not as far along my spiritual walk as I hoped I was!
Yes, when times give worry, leaning on God is the best way to improve my outlook. 🙂 He gives comfort and peace. Have a blessed week!
Eugh, what a frustrating experience with the washing machine from the get-go, throughout an interrogation and useless really handling of the problem. Losing all connection, especially Internet, is hugely annoying, especially as you say if you work from home or otherwise needed to access it. In the grand scheme these sorts of things that try us are small, but on a ground level they can be disruptive and I’m not surprised patience wore thin. I’m glad the cable is back and all a-okay. When’s the washing going to be (hopefully) fixed? Yes I know these days, too. ‘When it rains it pours’, as they say, and it feels like one thing after another that’s going wrong! Tea, biscuits & a good book can lower the blood pressure but of course that won’t send your emails or wash your clothes!
Caz xx
Life is good. Stressful times will come and go. I am blessed to know there is a lesson in every moment. All is well now. A few more hiccups along the way but I refuse to worry. I have been able to laugh about the experiences. Thanks so much for reading and commenting. Have a blessed week! 🙂
Melissa, those days help me appreciate the thing is I often take for granted. Enjoyed your story.
Thank you.I agree with you Debbie. Those days help me appreciate things I take for granted. Have a blessed day! 🙂
As always, thanks for the smile. We had one of these the other day when not one but two toilets stopped working. Thanks for showing us a better way to look at these problems
Wow, two toilets not working! Oh my!!! How awful!! Hope today is a good day. I am filled with joy this morning just thinking about the possibilities God will present today. Have a wonderful week! 🙂
And now you have shared that joy with me. I will await to see what God has planned. Amen. Thanks and blessings
🙂
Those sudden problems with appliances and technology not being available can sure throw me! I learn what a creature of routine I can be. The blessing is it teaches me what a creature of routine I can be when God wants me to be enjoying the present, each moment instead of just numbly walking through the minutes. I hope your washer banging has stopped!
Thank you. The washer still has issues and hopefully that will be repaired soon. Today is a glorious day filled with sunshine and God’s promises. I pray I will be alert to His messages. Have a blessed day! 🙂
Prayer is definitely helpful during stressful times. I also have to step back and remind myself not to make mountains out of molehills!
Yes, Yes! I step back and remember His blessings and not to make mountains out of molehills. On a side note, we got a new washer and it is wonderful. 🙂 Have a blessed weekend!
We seem to have “those days” in bunches too Ms. Melissa. Sometimes a couple of days. Other times, a couple of months. I trust that washing machine was finally fixed? I think it cheaper to purchase new ones than to repair the old ones these days. God’s blessings ma’am.
Yes, the washer was fixed by God providing a new washing machine for us. 🙂 All is well now. Have a blessed day! Thanks for reading and commenting.
My patience is not always what it should be in these scenarios unfortunately. Thankfully, God is working on me bir by bit in layers.
I am thankful God is working on me, too. 🙂 Some days I have more patience than other days. 🙂 Thanks for reading and commenting. Have a blessed week!
I have had some of those days. I try to remind myself that God is still in control. Interruptions are often devine.
Yes, yes. We are blessed to know God is in control. Have a wonderful week! 🙂
I’m learning to not fall into the “ickies” when these days happen. I fall into prayer and ask God to re-route my mood. Then, I throw myself into work, reading, or creating something beautiful.