So we are home at last, and it is wonderful. The main building and reconstruction work is done: now work begins to get the house decorated and fitted out. We have no kitchen, no bathroom, and bare floors throughout.
I like camping, we always have done as a family, and it is just as well. Because at time of writing we also still have no running hot water, and no flushing toilet. Don’t be alarmed – we have not resorted to digging pits in the back garden yet – we are coping admirably with the old toilet and a bucket of water at hand to flush it.
(This blog is all very lavatorial so far, my apologies, but it will improve – honestly!)
Simple: essential or convenient?
My son’s reaction when he heard we had moved back in without a flushing toilet was astonishment. (Concern for our wellbeing as the old codgers he perceives us to be, no doubt). The text messages went something like this – ‘I can’t tell you how much of a bad idea I think this is’ and ‘a flushing toilet is what separates us from the animals’. I replied reassuringly, but then got to thinking. Actually his second statement is just not true. A huge section of the human race does not have the luxury of a flushing toilet, and that in no way reduces their status of humanity. We are just so blessed in the developed world that we see these things as essential to our lives. Of course we can live without these simple things. We just choose not to. For lots of good reasons.
What is an inconvenience for us – and that only for a few more days (hopefully) – is a way of life for so many. And we have electricity, and a roof and windows, and clean running water, and soft beds, and fridges and freezers, and food on our tables.
Being without some of those simple things, those everyday conveniences, has made us even more thankful for all that we do have, and usually take for granted. Don’t get me wrong – I will celebrate heartily when the new toilet and wash hand basin are finally plumbed in. But in the meantime, I will also celebrate all the good and simple things that we are daily blessed with. And take a moment or too to remember those who would love to live as comfortably as we do. Even in our unfinished home.
Choosing to be thankful
I have learnt the power of thankfulness in a new way over the last few difficult years, and it is a theme I refer to early on in The Healing. Philip learns from his mentor, Brother Hywel, the importance of being thankful for the simple things. And he does it the hard way (you will have to read it to find out more)! Whatever we are facing, however inconvenient, uncomfortable, or stressful it might be, if we can retain a heart of thankfulness then we get a better, more positive, and definitely more balanced outlook on the situation. God would say so too.
giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Ephesians 5:20 (NKJV)
Joy Margetts is new to blogging, and new to being published. Her debut novel ‘The Healing‘ was published by Instant Apostle on 19 March 2021. A work of historic fiction, set in mediaeval Wales against the backdrop of Cistercian abbey life, it is also a story of faith, hope and God’s redemptive power. Joy has also self- published a short novella, ‘The Beloved‘ as both a companion to ‘The Healing‘, and as an easy to read standalone story, which is available to buy on Amazon Kindle.
More information on Joy and her writing can be found here www.joymargetts.com