It’s been weeks.
At first we didn’t realize what happened.
Anne had told me the oven had done something weird and scary. She’d turned it off.
The next day, without thinking, I asked Jase to make some banana bread.
Anne helped him and I told them I’d watch it once it was in the oven, so they could do outside things with Dad.
When the timer went off, something was obviously wrong.
There was a thick cooked crust on top and the rest was dough.
It took a while for me to figure out the top element in the oven was the only one working.
Of course we stopped using it.
Right after this I began running a fever..
We didn’t bother our landlord about it right away, since taking care of me was a full job.
When my husband did call the landlord, he told him not to bother calling anyone.
They couldn’t come anyway.
This week we heard from him. He had called a repair company.
After asking me all about the oven the kind lady from the repair company said, “I have some COVID questions. Has anyone in your house been sick with a fever or cough?”
After I answered that question and many follow-up questions she said, “Thank you for your honesty.”
“It’s no problem at all. People’s lives are far more important,” I replied.
We hung up and I informed our family the repairman wouldn’t be here till May 8.
No one was upset or surprised.
We all understand it’s important to be really careful right now.
Our family has had to do without many things over the years.
Our season of little or no water is one thing which has shaped our family.
Every now and then I’ll catch one of the kids slipping back into the things they learned in that time period.
Just last week, Bell looked at me and said, “I really need to wash some clothes, but I know you ran the dishwasher. When can I put in my laundry?”
I smiled, knowing she was concerned about possibly exhausting our water system and said, “It’s city water, now is fine.”
But as I think of doing without water, I thank God for my friend, she had her son come by at least once a week to pick up our soiled laundry and drop it back off clean. I thank God for our other friends who brought us water in their Water Truck, time after time. I know we didn’t pay for all the water they gave us.
I’m so thankful for so many people God has provided for us through.
In this time of doing without, I pray we find so much to be thankful for.
Yes, being in need is difficult.
It’s uncomfortable.
It’s scary.
But there was a season, many years ago when the only meal in our cabinets was oatmeal.
I remember standing in front of the cabinet and looking at how much was left and asking God to provide for us.
I wasn’t excited about only oatmeal for every meal.
But at the time, I was more concerned about running out and having our little ones go hungry.
We never did.
And not too much longer God provided and we were able to buy groceries again.
God provided in a different way when I was in need of a surgery.
It had taken months and two Emergency Room visits to find out that was the solution to my health problems.
Our medical bills were so numerous we couldn’t even think about paying them all.
A sweet lady from our church called me on her way to the store.
“Can I pick up some things for you?”
It was such a blessing as I couldn’t walk much less go shopping and we were very low on everything.
I thanked her and gave her my list.
She brought the groceries and wouldn’t take any payment.
After that she bought us groceries regularly.
And never let me pay her.
My memory is fuzzy from that time period, so I don’t even know how long she did it, but I was sick for months.
I have asked the Lord to bless her and her family in return, many times.
And I praise God for His provision.
All these seasons has taught our family that God is in control.
He knows exactly what we need and He will provide.
His ways are best and He knows what is best in every circumstance.
So, I really don’t mind doing without for a while.
I know there’s a lesson to be learned and my God to lean on.
And I praise Him!
He’s been with us no matter the need, from water to food, He has always provided and I know He always will.
Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank You for never leaving nor forsaking us. You are so good and so faithful. Please help us to keep our eyes upon You during this season of doing without. Please help us to be watchful for others we might help or encourage. Please guide and direct us. Let our hearts be molded by You in this. Thank You for Your faithfulness and love. Jesus, You are amazing! Thank You. Amen.
patientlyhopeful 