We have had multiple things break in our house recently and since we were not able to get them fixed right away, the number is growing out of control. It is getting to the point where it is hard to keep track of everything. Last night the microwave broke and my wife and I looked at each other and said; “Just add it to the list”. We do not actually have a list yet but I think it is time to start one.
There have been a few times when I have felt like MacGyver in trying to rig things up in order to get them to work. I have found duct tape to be very useful in these instances. I have started to view it as a challenge and have found myself saying things like, “If you hold it this way and press this button and wait for it to make this sound, it should work”. It is only after writing this that I realize how ridiculous that sounds, but I promise you it sounded like the best idea ever at the time. The kids have gotten used to it and unfortunately, it has become a way of life for now. I start to feel bad about all of the things that are currently not working but then I look back and realize that I had many of the same experiences growing up. I remember the small TV that sat on top of the broken console TV in our living room and the phone that you had to hold a certain way because the antenna was broken (that was back when cordless phones had large metal antennas). Eventually everything was taken care of, we just were not able to replace or fix the broken items right away. This helped me have a greater appreciation for the things that I did have and the things that I can now provide for my children. My hope is that these experiences will help my kids to have the same appreciation. It should also provide them with some interesting stories to share with their children when the time comes. If there is one thing they can say about their childhood, it will be that it was never boring.
After the initial feelings of stress and frustration, I realize that this is just a period in our lives that will pass and that tomorrow will bring new experiences, some good and some bad. In addition to our faith, it is our shared experiences as a family that help to shape our attitudes, our views and our approach to life. I pray daily and thank God for the blessings in my life. I thank Him for His love, for my family and that I have a job that allows me to provide a home and food for my kids. There may be some things in our home that do not work and the food may take a little longer to cook, but with God and my family, I have everything I need.