Hope 4 - Can I get a little light

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A lost driver

Like most men, I think I have a pretty good sense of direction.  Before mapping apps were readily available in our phones, I don't think I ever really asked for directions. But just because the technology is available for the road, doesn't mean I've given up that sense of independence and wanting to really learn from doing stuff without instructions.

It does seem that the women in my life often have a slightly different view about asking for directions. Nevermind if I have been down that road before or found that the map was actually wrong, whether it is driving to the nearest post office or screwing in a lightbulb, the constant insistence on reading the manual for the simplest things have turned me off of looking for help, and especially looking for a help-mate.

Although when the proverbial shoe is on the other foot, those same women are a bit worse at taking directions at any level - but that is a rant for another time.

Advanced course

Some things, through experience and practice, begin to come easy and related things are easier to pick up on.  This past weekend, I got to work with somethings around the house that most would hire someone to do.  Considering I rent my house, it is typically the landlord's responsibility to do the maintenance, but there was an urgency I felt to get it fixed, and I was ready for the challenge.

Yes, I did use and read the cryptic instructions on how to change the faucet. Reaching out to my old pal Youtube, I found how to dismantle the garbage disposal to diagnose, attempt to repair, and replace the unit. The same with the dishwasher. In the end I felt accomplished, but living alone, it still meant I couldn't put off doing the dishes again.

So, it seems that when the end results are better, reviewing the manual and getting some extra help are not beyond my sense of pride. Yes, I can follow directions, as long as the reward is more than just a doggy treat!

More Power

The one thing that I hadn't mentioned about my DIY weekend was replacing and wiring the kitchen ceiling ballast. This was the more complex diagram directions.  The light already had one set of fluorescent  lights, but I wanted the full light to be available. After climbing on and off the counters several times to access the light (since I don't have a ladder), the job was finished. And yes, it worked perfectly!

Now, before I pull a muscle patting myself on the back for a job well done, the truth is it took a long time for me to get to the point of getting it fixed or telling the landlord I needed help.  The kitchen light ballast had burned out nearly two years ago and I figured it was "light enough". The faucet needed replacement because I was washing the dishes by hand after the dishwasher had broke over a year ago. The garbage disposal, well that was just rusted through from over 10 years of use.

It was revisiting the Celebrate Recovery Biblical principles that helped me find the inspiration and power to overcome my pride. "For I can do everything God asks me to do with the help of Christ who gives me the strength and the power." (Philippians 4:13) Although, these were physical acts of repair, it was my fear of admitting I needed help, and justifying that everything was okay, that I needed some soul help with.

Even the mighty man of God, King David, asked God for guidance in Psalm 25:5, "Lead me; teach me; for you are the God who gives me salvation. I have no hope except in you." Now if a mighty warrior king could humble himself for direction in leading a nation and army, I have a feeling that I could do a bit more than change a lightbulb in my house with God's guidance and the power of Christ. How about you?

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