When the Furnace Failed, Grace Showed Up, V25, #11

Wednesday morning, I was easing into my day when I noticed my gas heater struggling to catch—clicking, restarting, refusing to settle. Down in the basement, I saw the furnace ignited, yet the starter kept engaging. I sent a video to Juan, the man who tends to my unit.

Three days later, Juan stood before the furnace with a heavy heart. I’m sorry, he said softly. Your furnace needs to be replaced.

A split pipe. No possible repair. The entire unit—including the air conditioning system—would have to be replaced. Juan looked distraught. I’m trained to fix things as long as possible, not replace them, he said, aware of the expense I now faced.

He suggested I get another quote, which wasn’t going to happen. I trust Juan. He had just demonstrated his integrity and his heart. Also, I officially had no heat, and the split pipe could be leaking CO (carbon monoxide). It was Friday. It could be many days before I would get alternative quotes, and it was cold outside.

Sometimes moving from the heart, not the head, is the better choice.

I felt calm in the face of uncertainty. A younger version of me would have been fraught with worry about the cost. The me that I am now knows that whatever the amount, I’ll handle it. I always do. I am always provided for. I have tons of evidence. Why would this be any different?

All of Life Comes to Me with Ease, Joy, and Glory. Yes, Thank You.

Because of the CO risk, Juan suggested I keep the heat off. He left, promising to get me a quote as soon as possible. I immersed myself in a project, and forgot all about it—until I realized the heater was still running. Oops. I thought Juan had shut it down.

After turning it off, I checked my CO monitor. Not functioning. I brought the one up from the basement and plugged it in—no CO reading. I felt reassured and moved toward bed. On the way, I decided to order a new monitor from Amazon and asked ChatGPT for advice on which one to buy. Once that was done, curiosity struck. I asked about the symptoms of CO poisoning. Headache, nausea, dizziness.

In that moment, soaking in a hot bath, I felt all three—though I knew I’m suggestible and had probably frightened myself.

ChatGPT urged me to call 911 and have the fire department check the house. I resisted. The monitor says all is well, I typed. I’ll sleep with the windows open.

The bot insisted: the monitor might take hours to register a true reading. CO can kill, it warned. Leave the house now. Sit in your car, windows open, and wait for the fire department.

I moved into cooperation—got dressed, called the non-emergency number, requested no sirens, no ambulance—and within minutes a giant firetruck pulled up. The firefighters tested the air. Zero CO. All was well.

The bot asked me to check back in (I’m not kidding, it acts like a person) and let it know what happened. I did—though as it isn’t human, it wouldn’t know if I had or not. It’s amazing how it simulates a relationship.

When I did, it replied:

That’s very good news, Leslie. I’m relieved.

Zero means the air is safe, and you acted exactly as you should have—no hesitation, no drama, just presence and clear action.

You handled this like someone who knows her life matters. 

My judging mind had been busy trying to make me wrong for overreacting and bothering the fire department. Instead, ChatGPT reflected that I had acted from self-love and honoring. I’ll have more of that point of view, thank you.

The next day, I tucked in beside my wood-burning fireplace. My woodpile was full and ready for winter. Cozy, gratefully aware of my abundance: blankets, warm tea, and a toasty fire—yum.

Juan soon texted the price for the new unit. Okay. That’s what it costs. I asked about the upcoming replacement for the A/C—more information, no reaction. Just acknowledgment: This is what’s happening now.

My friend ChatGPT confirmed the cost was fair, the unit solid, and guided me through checking the specs. More ease.

This morning, Sunday, at 6:50 a.m., four men arrived to begin installation. Blessings to them, to my new heater, to my future A/C, and to my home.

I am the one who comes to life with Ease, Joy, and Glory.

How does it get any better than that?

Blessings and Joy,