The Play Must Go On–and Life Must Go On, Too!
On my way to play practice yesterday morning, I called the office of David, the dad of two of the actresses. Mother has an eye infection and David is an optometrist. Mother’s sweet son-in-law (my husband Ray) agreed to take her in since I’m tied up with the play. During play practice, David’s wife, who is the Homeschool Dramatic Society pianist, left practice briefly to give a ride to another actress whose mother fell last week and got a concussion.
Soon after practice started, I did what I needed to do in the bathroom, and when I finished, I found a surprise in the toilet bowl–my smartphone. Fell right out of my jeans’ back pocket. I’ve been afraid that would happen sometime. I reached right in and fished it out. I have wondered what I would do if I dropped something valuable in a public toilet. Perhaps I couldn’t have reached into another public toilet, but this is the drama center. At least it is familiar territory. My phone was on when I fished it out. I figured, “It’s already wet! Maybe it will be okay,” and I washed it off. After I washed it, it wasn’t on anymore.
At least four people told me that putting a cell phone in a bag of rice will sometimes help it dry out. One mom brought me some rice when she returned from an errand.
For about six weeks, we have struggled with water issues. Today Ray called the city to see what would be involved in our switching from well water to city water. They told us the expensive answer to our question and said that we would have to make the decision today if we wanted a hook-up before Christmas. A play mom kindly talked to her handyman husband to see if he had any ideas for us.
For two weeks a year, the lives of play families go on. Grandmas get infections. People get concussions. Cell phones fall in toilets. People have to make quick and expensive decisions.
But, that’s not all. Daddies read bedtime stories. Mamas fix special treats for lunch. Grandpas hold babies. Grandmas play house. Children obey their fathers and mothers.
The lives of play families not only go on for those two weeks; they also intertwine. Moms pick things up for other moms. Dads give plumbing advice. Teens give smartphone advice.
In the midst of it all, children perfect their lines and their acting. Volunteers paint sets and loan props. Mothers share costume pieces with other moms.
Jesus served God and others as He walked along the way of His life. It is the privilege of believers to walk in His steps. It is the challenge of believers to be patient while we do. He’s the Master example of that, too.
Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord,
implore you to walk in a manner worthy
of the calling with which you have been called,
with all humility and gentleness, with patience,
showing tolerance for one another in love,
being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit
in the bond of peace.
Ephesians 4:1-3, NASB
OH NO!!! I’m so sorry to hear about your phone! That’s happened to my husband more than once – with phones, digital recorders, and other devices – only fortunately never in the toilet! 😉 The rice trick worked for him sometimes, but not every time. I hope it will work for you and you’ll soon be back in business with your phone again. In the meantime, you’re right ~ the show (and LIFE) must go on! 🙂