Recently our fridge broke and leaked into our basement. The leak happened behind our fridge because our floor slants, so we didn’t see it. The broken fridge warped and destroyed the floor beneath. We spent a month sorting out all the details in our first insurance claim.
We got a new fridge (there’s no food in it, yet). We’ve been “fridgeless” for just over a month. We put necessities in a mini fridge that usually houses sodas. We’ve been teaching our children about trusting God for provision as we use our emergency canned goods stash.
For 2 out of 4+ weeks our oven and dishwasher were in our living room and the rest of the furniture was scattered throughout the house. It’s funny how distracting it’s been for me to stay on task with my house being upside-down. It’s thrown off my normal schedule and other family and church events, but what beautiful and humbling reminders I’ve had from God.
Spoiled
Friends, I am spoiled. There are people all over the world who don’t have an oven, a fridge, and certainly not a dishwasher. And here I sit, turned upside-down without them. It’s been a great month of creative problem solving and funky meal planning. I feel humbled by this whole experience. I have options others don’t have – a microwave, a slow cooker, running water and a kettle to cook oatmeal and cup-o-soups. My amazing husband graciously ordered pizza when I couldn’t bake it myself and enjoyed the canned ravioli I served.
This whole situation reminds me that God is my Provider. He gives me what I need and so much of what I want. I don’t deserve it. I’m not entitled to it. I need to model flexibility and creativity for my children. I need to model thankfulness.
Thankful
This month we’ll go through being THANKful for specific things. Today I’m (TH)ankful for the (TH)ings God provides like a new (non-leaking) fridge, an oven, and a computer to write this encouragement to you.
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
What (TH)ings can you share with your children that you are (TH)ankful for today?