These days have been a reminder that I am a creature of habit and routines. It also confirmed I enjoy and appreciate water, electricity, heat, technology, and predictability. The indoor camping experience, without wind, rain, dirt, and insects, has yielded some lessons and observations along the way.
* Take warnings seriously.
* Plan ahead for food, water, loss of electricity.
* Be prepared at all times.
* When there is an unpredictable loss of electricity, having a flashlight close by is a good thing.
* When Brad and Chad were in the NICU, the nurse told us that heat escapes from the body through the top of your head and bottom of your feet. Because of that, they wore hats and socks their first few weeks of life. I’m not usually a hat person, but I tried it and it made a difference!
* Listen and heed advice of experts.
* A bag of mulch, placed over the water meter in the yard, really does keep the rain, sleet, and snow out and the water from freezing inside the meter.
* Important to check on family, friends, and neighbors.
* Those who had shared with those who didn’t.
* Be ready with a list of priorities when electricity and/or water come back on.
* Keep batteries charged.
* Continue to preserve energy and water, when it returns, so others will get it sooner.
* Do what is necessary and wait for the rest.
* Sometimes you need to use and be content with what is available over what you prefer.
* A little hole in a pipe can do a lot of damage.
Observations from the fire in the fireplace:
* The logs and fire gave off much needed light and heat.
* It was several degrees warmer when close to the fire.
* I had to be intentional about leaving my fireplace comfort zone, when needing to tend to other things.
* It was inviting and a treat to come back to the warmth and light from the fire, especially when the electricity was out.
* As long as the logs were together, the fire blazed. When the logs separated, the fire eventually went out and the light and heat were gone.
John Donne reminds us that, “No man is an island entire of itself; every man is a piece of the Continent, a part of the main.” Just like the logs on the fire, we need to stick together, support each other, be accountable, help however we can, and keep on going. When we all do our part, the load is lightened and progress is made.
During the weeks and months ahead, the first responders, plumbers, electricians, sheet rockers, builders, and so many others will be using their skills and talents to help heal, repair, rebuild, and refresh. Grateful they are part of our community.
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.
James 1:2-3
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
John 13:34-35
Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.
Romans 12:15
Thank you for sharing! Loved reading this.
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