Fairly early in the four-months-and-counting project that we call “remodeling the bathroom,” we installed a small whirlpool tub. That part of the project required significant help from Randa’s brother, Kevin. Among the steps involved was the fitting of a drain kit. Drain kits seem so much preferable to just letting the water run down through the ceiling below, so we opted for that. 

We selected the “pop-up” type: no levers, no plugs, just press down once to close and once more to open. Simple, satisfying and almost idiot proof.  Did I mention that I was involved in this project?

About the second time I used the tub, I pushed down firmly to release the pop-up so the water could drain out of the tub. Nothing happened. I pressed firmly again. Then I pressed firmly and repeatedly. Eventually, the valve released and the water began draining.

After several more sessions of having to make multiple attempts to get the drain to open and just before I became desperate enough to remove the drain and take it back to Lowe’s and indignantly demand a replacement, I made a small discovery. If I just press lightly on one particular spot on the drain, it pops open eagerly! Just that light touch and presto! Drain opens.

There are so many frantic pushes in life that do little to move us toward our goals. Most of them probably accomplish just the opposite. All of our pushing and shoving and grousing and griping and meanness and manipulation seldom gains us anything but greater resistance, greater resentment, greater distance. In many of those cases, a gentle touch in the right spot would be far more effective. 

On the reciprocal side of that issue, I’m trying to be so sensitive and aware that the slightest nudge from the finger of God will move me in the right direction. I’d really like to avoid any more thumps!

H. Arnett

9/17/09