I would like to find a t-shirt that says, “I survived my first week living on a houseboat and all I got was this lousy t-shirt!” I am beginning to wonder if we will ever master lake life. We still haven't completely unpacked, the internet signal is weak, the air conditioning units are still not working, I blow a fuse every time I try to multitask, and even my dogs seem depressed.
Tonight the drama continued when the water shut off during bath time. I called John who tried to walk me through some possible solutions, but nothing worked. After talking to the marina, we learned that all the houseboats had lost water and they were trying to determine the cause. So, we conquered bath time by rinsing the kid’s hair with dirty bath water and brushing our teeth with bottled water.
This entire situation is overwhelming, ongoing, and obnoxious. I know obedience often comes with a price, but I thought I paid my dues. I gave up my home, sold nearly everything in it, and downsized my life. I thought God would honor those sacrifices and everything else would fall into place. I pictured relaxing evenings on the patio and breathtaking views during my quiet time. Now? I would be grateful for running water and air conditioning.
I am quickly learning that life often disappoints, circumstances won’t always go as planned, and people will let you down. I wish the boat were the only issue John and I were facing, but when it rains it pours. In fact, as I write this it is pouring down rain; how ironic. The wind and the waves make the peaceful lake feel a bit scary and unstable. I can relate. But through it all I am reminded that it is not about me. Obedience is about trusting God. We will weather these storms because we desire the will of God. Nothing more. Nothing less. Nothing else.