It takes losing something to really understand its power
over you. The loss of electricity, the
loss of cable television, land line phone service and internet access each
teach us how much we depend on the utilities.
One person wrote they would never have made it in the pre-electricity
days. I commented that if we didn't know
any different, it would not be difficult.
Let’s face it. We have it pretty
easy. We can communicate nearly
instantaneously with people all around the world. We have access to emergency services with a
quick phone call. The cries for
generators and freezer space, air conditioning and an outlet to plug in a cell
phone are loud. Someone told me today
that Cub was allowing folks to charge their phones while they shopped, even
though Cub had limited power.
Tonight, the moon is full and large and bright. And we can see him because the clouds have
cleared, at least for now. We soon will
cast shadows by its light. A phenomenon
that rarely occurs, especially in the bright city. Many have lit candles to provide at least a
little light in the darkness. Not much
to see by, but I bet quite a few people pulled out the old Scrabble board and
had a game night by candlelight.
Right now, at 10:40 p.m., we have no Comcast services, so I
cannot post this. It means that I won’t
be figuratively chained to this machine and will go to bed at a reasonable
time. It meant that I accomplished a
couple tasks I've been neglecting. It
means that I’m not so distracted by other media and can focus on what I’m
writing tonight. I have no idea when I
will be able to post it, but that’s okay.
The blog will still be there.
It’s other things that are more concerning, like paying
bills online, or making sure our parents know to call on our cell phones rather
than land line; things that have deadlines or relationships that rely on access
by phone. But, all in all, the quiet is
nice. If there was no power here tonight
I would be concerned about the food, but the soft candlelight would also be
appealing, and soothing.
Dear All-Powerful One.
Again the access to utilities is limited, rendering many of us powerless
in some ways and powerful in others. The
power that is within us has the opportunity to shine through us in our giving
of ourselves in ways that are not typical, or perhaps are even more our true
selves, and we are learning more about ourselves, our level of patience and our
resiliency. A not-so-gentle reminder
that we can only control so much, and it is in you we must put our trust. Amen.