The Dents in the Water Heater

Our water heater has a story to tell. Not one of rust or wear, or the slow ticking of time—no, this one speaks in dents.

I noticed them today while while grabbing my yogurt from the basement fridge. At first, I wondered how the dents got there. But on closer inspection, it hit me—literally, almost like a golf ball would: these dents are souvenirs from hours of practice. My daughter’s golf swing, aimed with determination, has found its mark more than once on that water heater.

Day after day, she’s been down there, working on her game. Focused. Driven. Maybe a little wild with the wedge. And while our household appliance now wears a few bruises, I couldn’t help but smile. Those dents are signs of effort, of repetition, of someone chasing better with every swing.

Isn’t that how life works? Growth is rarely tidy. It leaves a mark. Whether it’s dents in a water heater, callouses on our hands, or mistakes that teach us something important—we get better by showing up, trying again, and occasionally missing the target.

So here’s to the imperfect process. Here’s to daughters chasing dreams and water heaters that bear the dents of progress that give me a smile every time I hear a loud 🛎️ coming from the basement!

And here’s to learning, always, in the flow of life.

Jason

PS: Tonight we went to the outdoor range.