Small Thoughts & Big Leaps

Only Better

I am writing 34 miles from home at our Huron cottage vacation. It is a quiet respite until our kiddos and grands arrive at the end of the week. Walking and wondering fill the next few days.

From a vacation chair, I bring you the post on our hot tub surprise.

It was Chuck’s dream to have an indoor hot tub. When we bought and rehabbed our cottage home four years ago, we had this in mind when we added a large room. I named the room Hideaway, and it was perfect until it wasn’t.

An allergic reaction (the combination of hot water mixed with the chemicals) wreaked havoc on my husband. We tried for two years, and finally, he decided it was time to end the dream. 

In the place of that dream, a better dream emerged. Hideaway was transformed into a much larger playroom and gathering room. We sold the hot tub and were able to buy furniture and a very large TV that fit our new space.

If you were to ask Hubs if he has any regrets, his answer would be a resounding “NO.” If you were to ask me, my answer is seen in the photo below.

Can I share a secret with you? A hot tub was never part of my dream. My heart sank when I saw how diminished our large room looked when it was installed. But I supported 100% my husband’s wish. He has worked hard and given me so much in our married life; he deserved his dream to come true. In retrospect, I’m so glad I cheered on his dream.

It’s funny how life works out. Two years later, I couldn’t have known that my dream would also come true, but Someone was watching who did. It is interesting that the Master Designer knew all along that space would evolve. And maybe I’m reading too much into it, but deep down, I believe God rewarded my sacrifice in the best interest of my husband.

Author Sally Clarkson, a mentor to moms, says, “We are the conductors of the songs our homes will sing. Make it a beautiful one.” I wonder if the notes of our songs are filled with compromise, unselfish giving, and yielding. I admit I don’t always get it right, but this time, I did.

Wander Inn Cottage is singing a happy tune. Though a little off-key, the proprietors of the Inn whistle in harmony.

What song does your house sing?

With ya, Margi