30 Days of Thankfulness ~ Day 17
Today has been a very good day. I accomplished a ton. I'm still not exactly sure how I did it. I think it boils down to the boys taking naps exactly when they are supposed to and for as long as I need them too...those days are rare.
Anyways, after a day of errands, a mini play date, lots of cleaning, and some more playing, it was time to get the bedtime routine going with Steven. I threw a last load of laundry in the wash, started the dishwasher, and filled up the bathtub for Steven. As I sat with him, watching him play with his toys and enjoy all the bubbles, I was listening to the hums from my washing machine and my dishwasher. I thought how much I take for granted the great thing of having clean, running water. Clean water to drink, clean water for baths, clean water for laundry. And not just running water, but hot running water, and whenever I need it - no limits.
I finished putting Steven to bed, gave Bradley his bath and continued to have this kind of awe at how much more difficult my life would be without this free access to clean, running water. After getting both boys to sleep it was finally my turn for a nice hot shower. The only problem was that I forgot that I'd run a load in the washing machine on warm shortly before I got in the shower. I was about half way through rinsing my hair when the water went from that perfect "aahh" temperature to "okay...gotta get this done before I'm freezing". I couldn't help but laugh about this (normally I would get really frustrated...). I just felt overwhelmingly privileged to have even been able to just hop in the shower with warm water at the end of the day at the same time my laundry was being washed.
I think I need reminders like this more often. The more I thought of this simple thing, this water, the more I was reminded of the free access I have to the only Water that will never run dry and the only Water I can drink where I will never thirst again. How often do I take that oh, so precious Water for granted?
I am so thankful for the gift of water, and Water.
Anyways, after a day of errands, a mini play date, lots of cleaning, and some more playing, it was time to get the bedtime routine going with Steven. I threw a last load of laundry in the wash, started the dishwasher, and filled up the bathtub for Steven. As I sat with him, watching him play with his toys and enjoy all the bubbles, I was listening to the hums from my washing machine and my dishwasher. I thought how much I take for granted the great thing of having clean, running water. Clean water to drink, clean water for baths, clean water for laundry. And not just running water, but hot running water, and whenever I need it - no limits.
I finished putting Steven to bed, gave Bradley his bath and continued to have this kind of awe at how much more difficult my life would be without this free access to clean, running water. After getting both boys to sleep it was finally my turn for a nice hot shower. The only problem was that I forgot that I'd run a load in the washing machine on warm shortly before I got in the shower. I was about half way through rinsing my hair when the water went from that perfect "aahh" temperature to "okay...gotta get this done before I'm freezing". I couldn't help but laugh about this (normally I would get really frustrated...). I just felt overwhelmingly privileged to have even been able to just hop in the shower with warm water at the end of the day at the same time my laundry was being washed.
I think I need reminders like this more often. The more I thought of this simple thing, this water, the more I was reminded of the free access I have to the only Water that will never run dry and the only Water I can drink where I will never thirst again. How often do I take that oh, so precious Water for granted?
I am so thankful for the gift of water, and Water.
This is so true!! And after having followed the fundraiser for that little girl from the Eastside that died in the car accident, and how much money was raised for digging wells in 3rd world countries, it makes me more appreciative of water. Many times when I go to my fridge and pour myself a fresh glass of drinking water, I just say a prayer of thanks, and a blessing for those who have to walk miles and miles to get a sip to drink. We are indeed privileged.
ReplyDeleteHi Cassie!
ReplyDeleteI read your blog even though we've never met - I am a friend of Paige's and found your blog through hers (I'm actually her cousin in law or something? I'm married to her husband's cousin... confusing!). Anyway, I stumbled on your blog again today and this post really touched me. I'm writing you from Argentina now, where I'm doing my grad school fieldwork on water access issues... I work in a community that has running water (most of the time...), but no sewers. I love my work, but it's hard to always be far away. Recently I've really been wondering, 'can I keep doing this?, what's the point of always working far away from everyone I love and care about? where's my community?' I'm not sure about all those questions, but thank you for your post! It was really encouraging!
keep up the great writing,
Margaret