My son and I were taking a break inside after spending some time doing yard work. Bohdan asked to try to fill some water balloons with the garden hose nozzle. We paused our show and he went out. Our living/dining room stretches the back of the house with 3 sliding doors leading to the deck. The light blue curtains were draped over the rods at each end so I’d have a clear line of sight. I stayed in to check my email before joining him, then all of a sudden I heard our metal patio furniture banging together and our 6 year old quickly shuffling between them. In the few seconds it took for my brain to register the sounds, I turned to see a spraying hose, whipping back and forth like a writhing snake whose tail was pinched. Bohdan had turned it up higher instead of off. He made a wrong move and had now lost control! I shouted, “just grab the hose and pull it toward you, honey”. B: “I’ll get wet, Mom. I’m already soaked”. He tried briefly and managed to adjust the water pressure in the hose just enough so it slowed down, but now it was spraying through two of the 3 screen doors, left and right, hitting the back of the couch, end table, a few toys and the wood floor. I quickly shut the glass doors and went out the front to run around back and help. I was able to pull it close and point it into the garden while Boh tried to turn it off. It was slow going, so we switched places and ended the water balloon filling experiment for the night. The red and yellow balloons would remain limp on the deck.
Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
All things? Yes. Even an out of control hose? I’ve seen it happen with struggles and tough circumstances in my past. God has been faithful to bring me through. Sometimes you are still wet with the consequences of your own actions when you understand that it forces you to get uncomfortable enough to change. Our son just needed to change his clothes that day. I’m thankful he knew he can always call out to me for help, even when he feels he’s made a mistake. I have realized the more I lean in to God in prayer, praise, and with a thankful heart He really ends up working on me more than the situation. My eyes become open to His hand on my life and my ears hear His voice leading me toward His purpose for me.
Have you ever felt like you lost control of something in your life, try to avoid it and find yourself staring at it, wet with consequences?
What happens when you try to handle it on your own?
Name something you felt out of control with and how God worked it for good.
Do you have people in your life you can call out to for help?