Confession time: I actually started writing this post eight years ago. Life, kids, business—all good things—pulled me away, and I never quite hit “publish.” But sometimes old drafts are little treasures waiting to be rediscovered. So here we are, finally sharing it with you.

Road trips with family are some of the best memories. Our most recent one got me thinking about the little things that catch our attention along the way.

For some people, it’s the scenery. For others, it’s the hotel or even the wildlife. But for my husband? It’s always something plumbing-related. Of course. 😄

This time, it was an old water spigot—the kind you don’t see much anymore. To be honest, Clayton and I thought it was pretty cool too. It looked almost vintage, like something that belonged on a farm. One day I’d love to have one of those old-fashioned manual well pumps—though maybe not as my only source of water. 😉

It reminded me how easy it is to take the modern conveniences of life for granted. Running water, hot showers, dishwashers, washing machines—all the things that quietly keep life moving. My grandmother Nin certainly didn’t. She loved modern advancements and never wanted to go back to the old ways. She would tell us stories about growing up with no indoor plumbing, riding in Model T cars, and then fast-forward to taking my kids to Luby’s for Tuesday night dinners where she marveled at how far things had come.

There’s a movement today where many want to slow down, return to simplicity, and live like the “good old days.” I understand the longing for a quieter pace. But as I sat there admiring that old spigot, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for the balance—being able to appreciate the past while enjoying the blessings of the present.

Running water may seem ordinary, but to me, it feels extraordinary. It’s a daily reminder not to overlook the simple gifts God has provided, both old and new.

And now, eight years later, that perspective has become even more meaningful. Clayton—once my 16-year-old road trip buddy—is now a full-time plumber working alongside us at Bear’s Plumbing. What started as an appreciation for a simple spigot has grown into a family business built around helping others enjoy the modern gift of water every day.

🐻 Bear’s Plumbing – Family Owned & Operated. Keeping the water flowing, with gratitude for the simple and the extraordinary.