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Gratitude and Guilt for Having Hot Water

This month, our eighth anniversary here in Paraguay, we finally got hot water! 

I can finally wash white clothes without having to boil them.
I can wash greasy dishes and get them clean the first time.
I can take a shower that lasts for more than 30 seconds (our widow-maker electric shower device only got the water warm) and I had to heat up four kettles of water every night for our son's bath. 

We are all SO thankful that we now have hot water.

Now, why is it that I feel so guilty for having this luxury, when none of my neighbors do??  I'm struggling today between gratefulness and being undeservingly privileged.

This is my struggle many, many days.  
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Comments

  1. ShiloNovember 12, 2010 at 10:29 AM

    Oh Julie, I can relate. When that guilt comes I have to preach to myself that guilt is not from God, He convicts but it is the accuser and enemy of our souls that longs to cripple us with guilt.
    And yet, I pray I will never take for granted those blessings I enjoy...It's such a hard balance to keep...isn't it?
    Blessings, sister.

    ReplyDelete
  2. BrendaNovember 12, 2010 at 9:23 PM

    I'm so glad you finally have hot water, I did not know you were living without it. And while I think we should never forget the abundance that we have, I think we can be thankful for the blessings that God sends our way. Perhaps your neighbors are blessed in ways different from you? Or maybe they don't value hot water in the kitchen?

    It is hard but I appreciate the sentiment you express.

    ReplyDelete
  3. ChristieNovember 17, 2010 at 12:12 PM

    I struggle with that every time I use my stove or washing machine. I do thank God for the blessing of having more time available since the machines do the work, but I also feel funny every time a Paraguayan woman is eyeing one of them.

    As one who still heats a kettle on the stove to wash dishes (can't get used to that cold water sponge method), CONGRATS on getting that hot water inside the house! I'm sure you are enjoying it!! PS--I still think a long hot shower is the greatest part about furlough...

    ReplyDelete
  4. ShaharyarNovember 27, 2010 at 5:27 AM

    I like the way you describe everything. :) Keep it up.

    ReplyDelete

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