I never thought I’d miss my bathtub. I didn’t realize I used mine enough to miss it. I hardly ever take a bath but I miss my bathtub.
What does this have to do with anything? Why does it matter?
I am in a place that isn’t familiar and doesn’t have the things I’m used to having. So I can complain and grow homesick & bitter or I can thank Jesus for what I have today and what I’ve experienced before.
I’m choosing to be thankful. I’m also choosing to share these differences with you all so we can all laugh together. So here is my list of things that I never thought I’d miss.
1. My Bathtub
I’ve had 2 days when this was my life. The first I was sunburned and just wanted to lay in cool water and let the heat leech out of my body. Showers aren’t conducive to sunburn therapy usually. The water pressure can counteract any benefit of the cool water. :/
Also I was sick Saturday. I was vomiting within minutes of waking up and had diarrhea until late afternoon. My fever was pretty high a few times. I just wanted to take a cold shower but I was so exhausted I couldn’t stand up for very long. Bathtub to the rescue! Except not.
I’m thankful I didn’t have a bathtub though. My teammates served me and I found comfort in Jesus instead of cold water. Either of those things is good; together I feel blessed beyond reason.
2. Bathmats
I miss fluffy absorbent bathmats. I want to step out of a shower and not worry about slipping or my feet becoming instantly dirty again. I’m usually a lazy bum and don’t dry my feet but let them dry on the mat. I can’t do that here.
I’m thankful I don’t have bathmats. I am careful getting out of the shower. I get to practice my flexibility getting dressed with damp feet. 🙂 I have a shower here & can wander around barefoot! Either of those things is good; together I feel blessed beyond reason.
3. Washing Machines
I miss a laundry day that required only some lifting and carrying. Laundry has always been my least favorite chore. But now it is a full body workout as well.
Have you ever hand washed a full size towel? I served my teammate Melissa like this one day. That nonsense is possibly the best arm workout that exists. I was sore afterward. I still am not brave enough to wash my sheets. 🙂
I’m thankful for the workout and for the increased appreciation for machines and laundry in general. If you really know me, you will understand that it is a near miracle to be grateful for laundry in any way. 🙂
When I run after Jesus and focus on Him, all the dumb stuff like laundry fades in importance. I’m choosing thankfulness. I’m choosing to learn dependence and joy in the seasons of without. I’m choosing to see these things as different not bad.
What frustrations in your life can you turn to thankfulness? Are you doing it?
Stay tuned for more episodes of I Never Thought I’d Miss… 🙂
