Camping Inside

Health update:  Even though there are no major changes right now, we are still noticing little improvements along the way.  On Thursday, at the end of the hour workout, Leah had me do a leg lift exercise.  I was able to do 3 sets of 10 and my left leg performed as well as the right one.  We both realized that four months ago that would not have been possible.

On Wednesday afternoon, with the temperature in the low 20's and dipping into the teens, we lost electricity for 5.5 hours.  When Larry arrived home, it was almost completely dark and more than a little nippy temperature wise.  With the trusty flashlight in hand, I told him that this was going to be just like an indoor camping trip.  Mind you, that is the best kind as far as I am concerned.  I was already wearing a windbreaker, coat, and gloves.  Larry started a fire in the fireplace and we pulled up logs (chairs) to enjoy the warmth of the fire.  Larry brought me an extra blanket and he continued to wear his coat and hat.  We snacked on cashews and fruit.  After lighting more candles than I knew we had, we enjoyed campfire stories.  I remembered one night when Brad and Chad were around 3 or 4 and we were having our family prayer time.  For some reason, they both decided to pray with one eye open and thank God for as many things as they could.  I specifically remember them thanking Him for the windows, ceiling, ceiling fan, and closet.  Talk about being convicted.  I am grateful for all of those things, but when was the last time I thought about expressing it.  It was fun to take and have the time for stories and enjoy being together.

As the evening wore on, even though there were things that could have been done, it was more important to stay close to the fire.   With a little candle light and no electricity, I couldn’t do the normal things that occupy my time.  It brought new meaning to Psalm 46:10

   He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;
   I will be exalted among the nations,
   I will be exalted in the earth.”

There were blessings in having and taking the time to be still.  Hopefully, we won't have to lose electricity again to reflect on that lesson. 

Around 8:30, the electricity came back on.  There was great rejoicing and much thanksgiving for our home, electricity, a heater, and God's provision of workers who knew how to repair a blown transformer.  Larry had prepared a delicious soup on Tuesday night.  The leftovers were just the meal we needed to complete our camping inside adventure. 

What a great reminder that just as it was good to stay close to the fire for warmth, how much more important it is to stay close to the source of life for guidance and direction.  And it’s good to have companions along life's journey, especially when camping – whether it’s inside or outside.