When You Feel Like a Fire Hydrant

Some days you feel like a fire hydrant.

There are some days, no matter how hard I try to focus on all that is good, that it seems like the all of the people and events who surround me collectively come together to rain on my parade. Yesterday was one of those mornings. My fifteen-year-old had to be at her first Beta Club Meeting, so we had to leave the house early. After her second change of clothes finally suited her, she came downstairs with toothpaste on her shirt. We finally got that out and at last, left our house.

Of course we got behind the slowest station wagon on the planet, who drove in front of us the entire way to school. The man who had his window down to hang his cigarette out, never got over 35 miles per hour. My daughter’s bestie was texting her every two seconds that she needed to hurry up and get there. Now I love that child, but seriously? My daughter doesn’t drive. I was driving and I was doing the best I could.

When I at last dropped her out at school, she reminded me again that the drain in her tub was running so slowly that it was covering her feet when she showers. Great, I knew we were out of Draino, so I added to my long list of things to do, a stop at the store. I headed out the back way of the high school parking lot and guess who did the same? Yep, the smoking station wagon driver. When he finally, turned off, my gas light came on. I proceeded to get gas and promised myself a walk when I returned home. I really needed to shake off this negativity and try to re-focus. On my way out of my garage for my walk, I passed by my van. The fuel door was open. I had left the gas cap on the pump at the gas station. Terrific!

These little annoyances weren’t life shattering, but sometimes I think that if Satan can keep us distracted and annoyed, then we are kept from really listening to what God may have in store for us for the day. We may miss an opportunity to extend a kindness or even to remember to pray for someone or we may be too annoyed to sit down and do our daily devotional. I have learned that on mornings like this that I really need to stop and take a breath and pray that God will send me some peace so I can listen for His voice.

I passed by the fire hydrant above and had to chuckle. I felt like a fire hydrant that morning. Perhaps you have had mornings like the one I’m describing, mornings where everything goes wrong and you just can’t seem to find your peace. Jesus had some great advice here. He said, “And so I tell you, keep on asking and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking and the door will be opened to you.” Luke 11:9

As I walked, I prayed and I asked God for peace and refocus, so that I didn’t miss any opportunities that He may have for me. When I arrived home, a little calmer, I checked my e-mail. I had the kindest e-mail from a man from my church who I respect very much. He just happened to have discovered my blog that day and offered me a blessing, “May God bless you and empower you to share his love through your thoughts and writings.” He went on to say that he was sharing a link with the church e-mail list.

I was stunned and moved to tears. I asked God to help me bless others and I received a blessing. I had record views that day of my words. Prayer works. When we seek to serve God, He will help us. We just need to be vigilant. There are forces that would like for us to stay angry and annoyed and therefore ineffective. So on those days when you feel like a fire hydrant, lean into God, and ask for some assistance and for peace. There’s no telling what He may have in store.

Have an awesome day!

Wendy 🙂