Do you have a pet peeve? Is there something that bothers you probably more than it should? For me, it’s being misunderstood. A good example of this is my dislike of camping.
Before we go any further, I’m going to discuss the two types of camping I’m familiar with. The first one involves a camper, which is like a small mobile home on wheels. My in-laws used to have one many years ago that they would tow it to various campgrouns. It had a small bathroom and kitchen, heat and air, and furniture that would transform into beds. If you like to do a lot of traveling, I think this would be an awesome way to do it. But this isn’t the type that I dislike.
That honor belongs to what I call: “Roughing it.” I first heard of this type when I was little. Some of our cousins wanted to camp on Papaw’s field and next to the woods. I wanted to go too, but my mother informed me they would be sleeping in a tent that was on the ground where bugs, snakes, and spiders crawled. Also, the lights would be from flashlights and a campfire. Needless to say, I quickly changed my mind about wanting to go too. I couldn’t understand why anyone would want to do something so dark and “buggy.” Then I met and married Tim.
He loves to go on hunting/camping trips with his friends out in the middle of the wilderness. They use sleeping bags with no tents, cook over an open fire, and use battery operated lanterns for light. For years, he has tried his best to talk me into going with him on these trips. Apparently, some of the others wives go along too. Not me. I had and still have absolutely no desire to go. Now, this is where I began to hear snarky comments about me from his buddies. By the way, Tim never did that.

As my Mamaw Jo used to say: “I swannie, that flew all over me.” So, why did I get so mad about their comments? Because they totally misunderstood me by assuming I was spoiled and I liked my conveniences too much. They had no idea what it was like living on Papaw’s farm when it was a bad winter. For one, even though we were in Knox County, we were literally on the end of CUB. When the power went out in the winter, it was usually out for at least a day because the linemen worked their way from Clinton out to us. Even though they worked very hard, it still took a while. So, when we heard a forecast for ice or heavy snow, we immediately began to prepare for it. We would stock on food that we didn’t have to cook. This was usually stuff like peanut butter, crackers, bread, protein bars, cereal and apples. Also, we carried wood into the basement for the wood stove so mom wouldn’t have to go out in the bad weather. Last but not least, we ran water in the bathtubs so we could flush the toilets. Remember, with no electricity, the electric pump for the well doesn’t work. We also put water into jugs for drinking and brushing our teeth. Baths and showers didn’t happen until the power came back on again. At night we used candles so it wouldn’t be completely dark. Here’s another problem with no electricity, there’s nothing much you can do. Mom and I used to play cards or board games to pass the time. Now that I think about it, these “roughing it” experiences made me tough and appreciative.
“These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (KJV)
Some have the misconception that once you become a Christian, then everything will be “easy peasy.” While you will have peace with the Lord, the world will be a different story. In it, you will still be roughing it through various trials because of your belief. But rest assured that Jesus has overcome it and you are safe in His hands.
As soon as the power came back on and stayed on, we did few things. First, we turned on the TV to hear some noise. Next, we took turns taking a shower. Lastly, we fixed a hot meal.

Brooke Cox is an author, speaker, and storyteller. She was a 2016 Selah Awards Finalist for Debut Novel. Her children’s book: “Dinosaur Eggs,” is now available. It is based on Ephesians 6: The Armor of God. Her novel “Until the Moon Rises: A Conniving Cousin Mystery” is also available. Also, she has two books out in her storytelling series: “Saucy Southern Stories.” The Amazon links for her books may be found on her website: brookecoxstories.com. Please feel free to contact her. She would love to hear from you.