Baller 21

Lessons in the Power Outage

by Chris Harvey on 09/17/08

We have our power back on (despite the fact that thousands still are without here in Louisville)!

I remember commenting to my wife during the few days without electricity that we have it good (compared to many around the world) and that we take so much for granted.

Despite the power outage, we still had undamaged shelter, running water, and gas stoves.

We lost a small portion of refrigerated items, but Southern Seminary stepped up and fed everyone on campus (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) for a few days.

I quickly realized what I take for granted on a daily basis when I would still try to hit the light switch when I entered a room, even though I already knew that there was no power. Or jumping into a shower that only has cold water (my wife has skills, heating up a pot of water and using a cup to pour warm water in the shower).

How about being thankful for the design of a refrigerator? All of Louisville was out of ice at one point when I was searching, trying to salvage the food I just bought at the store.

Even though we were interrupted from our daily routine (food in the frig, not sitting in the dark, having to go to the car to charge our phones, not watching TV, or having the Internet), positive things happened.

My wife and I actually talked to each more. I got to talk to and met many of our neighbors on campus for the first time (everybody was outside). I read more. My wife and I went to bed earlier.

Overall, we were glad when the power was brought back on. However, getting out of the daily routine, or at least going through an event that makes you not take things for granted, was a good thing.

C.Harv