“NO!!” I tried to save it. “SHOOT!” I watched and grabbed for the bucket full of dirty mop water I was getting ready to throw out, but only aided in spilling it all over the momentary clean floor. The water filled and I heard the waterfall leave the hall and spill down to the basement. I just stared defeated with annoyance and frustration building by the second. The water was about an inch high as I tried to mop it up once again with miniscule results. I brought up the 100 pound (felt like) dehumidifier from the basement and turned it on. I found out an hour later that the humidifier was rigged for continuous draining so the water it took up simply went in one side and released out the back like commands from my mom when I was a kid. Man.
Barrett and I have been cleaning the yard, garage, house, closets, desks, counters, drawers, and book shelves since school has been out. Our hope has been to clear our minds simultaneously as our environment spiffs up. I was failing as things have taken longer than I expected and simple tasks turn into an hour worth of clean up from a simple mistake! Too funny! I was reading through a book about depression that I have to read for my summer class, Typical Problems, and it spoke about how dealing with situations wrong can spiral too simple depression. The cycle? Tough Situation (spilled mop water, hungry, tired) → sinful response (stupid bucket, almost kicked it) → Self Pity (why now?) → Anger (forget it, I don’t want to deal with this now) → Bitterness (I don’t want to talk to anyone) → Trash can of despair (I’ll just withdraw and read my book, poor me). I smiled as I saw the circumstance I just had played out before my eyes. Don’t you hate instant conviction? What’s worse is that the book went on to show how to have a Godly response which involves taking my thoughts captive and remembering scripture and God’s character. In other words, I knew that I needed to choose better but I didn’t want too. How easy it is for me to still give excuses and mitigating circumstances for my actions.
Well, Barrett and I are hoping to go camping next week as Betsy flies to Salt Lake City and Seattle to visit her kids and grandkids. We are excited for her to have this amazing opportunity to see her family! If you think about it, pray for her safety, health, and strength to make the trip. We hope to relax with no responsibility but to hike, read, play cards, and make fires. We hope all is well with you! Drop us a line if you can!