The Garbage Disposal

It has been over a year since I last posted to this blog. I prayed about it last year when i rant out of things to say and I believe God was instructing me to use this format from that point forward for REALLY IMPORTANT life lessons that NEEDED to be shared; lessons that would take a larger format than a Facebook post, tweet or meme. So, you know this MUST have been a super important one for Ms. EV to make a comeback!

About three months ago, my garbage disposal quit working. I used the plumber's wrench thingy to see if anything was stuck. And yes, New Friendship, I hit the reset button! (Inside Joke). None of that worked, so I googled the issue, tried a few things (some that I found out later I should not have) and realized that, after nearly seven years of loyal service, it was time to lay my garbage disposal to rest. In the midst of my attempts to get the ting to work, I became frustrated. But, I was not frustrated about the disposal not working; I was mad that I did not have a boyfriend or husband to fix it!

The next day, I asked my dad if he knew a handyman to fix it. He volunteered to do it. I just had to buy the new garbage disposal. So, that weekend, I bought a garbage disposal and put it under my sink to await a time when my daddy (my hero) could fix it. My dad is an insanely busy man, so I told him it was no rush. I just used the working side of the sink and went on about my life. 

Last weekend, dad said he would come fix the disposal this week. He had just installed at new one that his and my mom's house, so he was freshly familiar with the procedure. My sister also knew how to install this device, having done it in her home. I thought to myself, "You know, I probably could do this myself, BUT I DON'T WANT TO!!!" After all, things like this and taking out the garbage are man's work! Nevertheless, I do take out my garbage (click here) because I don't want my house to smell like a landfill and, at some point, I would have to use my garbage disposal. I did not want my dad to feel like I did not need him, though, so I didn't ask my sister to show me how to do it.

This morning, I woke up at 5AM. I tried to go back to sleep, but I couldn't. I had already read my devotions for the day earlier in the morning before I went to bed. So, I did what I do when I cannot sleep. I prayed. Surely, there must have been something that God wanted me to know at that dark and early hour. I asked Him to speak to my heart what He needed from me. Do you know what He said? "Go fix the garbage disposal." I was like, "Come again, Lord?" And, I am pretty sure He responded, "Read the instructions and look for a video on YouTube."

So, I got up, got out my toolbox, and commenced working on my garbage disposal. I read the instructions and found a video, so I could have a visual. It did not seem like a hard task. And, I never really thought it would be difficult. I just thought it was unfair that I did not have a significant other to do it, so I guess I kind of put off the fixing in protest. As I started the task, I hit a roadblock when I realized that I have no clue as to the location of my screwdriver. Still, I had a hammer, pliers, needle nose pliers, a wrench, the heads to my screwdriver (Phillips and flat), and sheer determination. I also had God on my side. So, my inner McGyver came out swinging. 

I never knew how many things could substitute for a screwdriver, pliers, wrenches, knives. And, I did not even let my inferior upper body strength cause me to quit. I dealt with plumbing and wiring, and, on the third attempt, my new disposal passed the leak test. It took me three hours or so, but I did it. So what was God trying to show me? When I share this post, I am going to break the record for hashtags, but here are the lessons:

1) Listen to God when He tells to you do something because there is a purpose.
2) You are stronger and more resourceful that you think.
3) When your husband does find you, you want to desire him because you long to be in a loving and Godly relationship; rather than need him because you have a long list of chores for him to do.
4) Your husband will still be responsible for taking out the trash, car maintenance, and household fixes; not because you nag him to, but because he understands that you could do it, you just have no desire to do so and he loves you enough to do it for you (just remember, there are some things you are going to have to love him enough to do, as well, i.e. cooking, laundry, etc)
5) Until then, know that there is nothing you and your toolbox and prayer cannot get you through.
6) Your dad (or dad equivalent) may be a humble, gracious man with a servant's heart, but he has taken care of you for the amount of time to which he was appointed to take care you (and then some). Now, it is your turn to make his life easier.
7) You can replace a girl's garbage disposal and make her happy until the next thing breaks, or you can force a girl to learn how to fix her own garbage disposal and give her the confidence she needs to feel invincible in times of household breakdowns.


My dad can go play golf today. I get to feel accomplished. I am very independent, yet so dependent on God. I pray this post helps somebody. The wait is NOT easy, but the wisdom IS worth it! Ms. EV