Hardship

It would be an understatement to say I was frustrated during our last cabin visit when a leaking cistern caused a water pump failure, which identified a sump-pump problem. This gave us a weekend of carrying water for toilet and cleaning, and more importantly added three new projects for my to-do list.

Fortunately with a shop full of tools, and a farming father up to any challenge, we booked another family road trip, and went to work on the repairs this week. 

It took many hours hunched in a crawl-space, heating fittings, repairing lines, and most importantly relearning the cabin plumbing system. 

At 7pm while adjusting our last valve, we watched in joy as the leak abated, and the water ceased its dripping. A wave of satisfaction washed over us as the third of three jobs ended with success.

The hardships we come up against provide the opportunity to grow. I have re-trained my plumbing skills, got time with the family, and felt the joy of overcoming a challenge. I will do my best to recall this success next time I face a mechanical failure and reframe the challenge as a ‘hidden opportunity’. 

• Now that’s a peak ethos.