Recently on a chilly morning, my gas fireplace was not functioning properly and would not ignite. Mind you, I knew enough to have figured out that the problem had to do with the remote control and settings for it. Therefore, I was not putting myself at risk trying to mess with the gas feed for the fireplace. This was frustrating because I was following the steps in the instruction book exactly as I understood them.
Sometimes when I am trying to figure out how to do something, I will put on some music in the background to help me from getting frustrated with my learning process. The music I happened to tune in on the radio was by Darius Rucker, recorded back in the late ’90s when he was in the group Hootie & the Blowfish. The song was followed by Sly & The Family Stone’s “Everyday People” and The Beach Boys’ “Good Vibrations.” It’s what my grandchildren call a “moldy oldies” station. The odd mix brought a smile to my face and lifted my spirits. I realized that the three such dissimilar songs carried a common theme:
- Live your life authentically.
- Do the best you can.
- Accept help from others.
- Give help when you can.
- Keep trying.
- Enjoy the process.
I put down my instruction book, picked up the phone and rang my middle son, who has a gift for understanding instruction manuals that far exceeds mine. He had the missing piece to my puzzle! The controls for the gas fireplace had been modified years ago. It actually has two sets of controls. I was doing everything right for the one set but had totally forgotten about the other control that needed to be adjusted as well. That certainly struck a chord. It is so hard to solve a problem when you do not have full understanding of its perimeters. What had seemed to be an insurmountable challenge quickly resolved itself.
My smile increased as I reset both controls and the remote. The fire came on and danced happily about, warming the living room in a delightful way. Letting go, reaching out, opening my mind, listening, and learning resulted in the results I was aiming to achieve so much more quickly and pleasantly—and gave me the wonderful bonus of a visit with my son!
We can all get by so much better when we remember that we are in this together and smile!
I Care, Barb
By Mary Ann Pitcher March 3, 2021
I loved the story. Unfortunately my problem involves not being able to get music on my computer. So I have nothing to calm my nerves while trying to fix the problem! I decided that tomorrow is another day and this is not a life threatening problem. Maybe after getting a good night’s sleep the solution will come to me. If not, I’ll just wait until the weekend and call my granddaughter!
By Ruth Singer March 2, 2021
My daughter always says Be True to Yourself and be genuine
I love your bogs Here inn sunny but cold BC I have my gas fire place on a lot It cheers me up so I can read and not nibble
Thank you again
Ruth from BC
By tana odonnell March 2, 2021
Barb, That was a great way to look at what we are all going through. Yes, we do need to reach out when life gets complicated. Glad you are warm. Thank goodness for sons. I am lucky enough as you well know to have six of them. My daughters are just as useful. Their father taught them to be self sufficient also. God blesses us in many way. Love to you my friend. Tana
By Tamson Darland March 2, 2021
Absolutely Barb, so very important to get help from others when we need them. I have learned so much from others creative thoughts such as yours. Thank you Barb.
By Carol Mac Aulay March 1, 2021
Loved this story Barb. Nothing like a nice glowing fire on a cold wintry day. It is raining now on Prince Edward Island but going to turn colder overnight. I do remember your visit to PRD here on the Island and could have listened to your talk for hours. I also enjoy Darius Rucker and I hope he gets as much fame as my one and only favourite the late Charlie Pride. It was as if I had lost a member of my family when I heard he passed away. I agree that we can get through this together. As our Chief Public Health Officer tells us, Be Patient, be kind.
By Donna J Schulz March 1, 2021
This blog has reached me! Wow, so often I reach out for a grandchild! None of the kiddos live close to me, so always a phone call. It amazes me how much everything has changed. And they are so in tune with how today’s subjects work! They even know how to simplify, in words what to do! Yeh,for grandchildren.
By Karen Tinlin March 1, 2021
Love your last sentence! It says everything. (and fun story!)
By Cathy Avallone March 1, 2021
I love the way you tell a story. I was trying to fix my printer this morning (no music, no instruction book) I did get it working almost as it should but good enough to print at least – as I read your story I thought of my situation and just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate the way to express yourself. You put a smile on my face.
By Barb Maas March 1, 2021
Great blog. I’m a senior but can just about take apart/reassemble a pc but am on Mars with remote controls..too many button, too many remotes needed. How timely…just asked furnace man cleaning my furnace if he’d try to remove rusted bolt I simply couldn’t remove so I could install new toilet seat LOL Bet he never thought he’d get that kind of a request. Being great guy he is, he did. It’d sat there a month due to that bolt so I really needed help. Sometimes hard to ask though.
By Debbie March 1, 2021
Hi Barb! Great Blog!! Thank You!! Debbie 🙂
By Virginia Coles March 1, 2021
Great Blog!
By Heather McLean March 1, 2021
Loved this Blog…
My hubby and I have a saying….
When something is wrong with your phone/tablet~~ just ask a 5 year old! LOL
Great having children & grandkids who can help us older ones eh?
Heather
By Janet Long March 1, 2021
Thanks Barb. Great info.