Water Damage

by Macy Johnson

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers,

whenever you face trials of many kinds,

because you know that

the testing of your faith develops perseverance.”

(James 1:2-3 NIV)

 

Drip, drip, drip. I was startled out of a deep sleep to the sound of raindrops splashing inside on my windowsill. I rolled out of bed, shuffled to the laundry room, and retrieved a beach towel. After placing the towel in the window’s casing, I fell back into my dreams.

 

In the morning the towel was soaked, along with the carpet below the window. My husband, Jeff, inspected the damage and caulked around the outside of the window’s frame. “That should do the trick,” he announced.

 

During the next heavy rainfall, the drips returned. I called our builder and he came to assess the damage. It was determined water entered the wall through a rotten door frame on the balcony above. After eight years of rainwater seeping down the outside wall, the door frame had to be replaced and a canopy built over the door.

 

Bent out of shape, frustrated, and concerned over this new development I thought, “What else could go wrong?”  

 

I obediently stopped my complaints and considered the joys received from this trial. We reconnected with our builder, learned to appreciate things that don’t break, and changed out the dusty bedroom drapes for cheerful blinds. We learned outside doors should be protected from the elements. The damage could have been a lot worse!

 

My faith grew stronger in the struggle. I thanked the Holy Spirit for giving me ideas on how to navigate this difficulty and thanked Him for the courage to trust Him and follow His lead.

 

I will strive to be joyful in the trials ahead and praise the Lord in the good and bad. I hope you will, too!