Going Back in Time

So, this snowstorm has been beautiful.   Adding this storm in with storms and occurrences of the past year, we have learned a lot about how much we take for granted the comfort of life here in America. 

What in the world am I talking about?  Well, in the past year, we have had times without power (yesterday being one of those), heat, water, or air conditioning.  Thankfully, we have not lost all of these services at once.

Our last snowstorm, right after New Years, caused us to be without water for over a day.  Our water meter had completely frozen and we needed a new one.  Thankfully we had stockpiled some water in the basement so we had water to drink/cook/brush teeth with.  We had breakfast out so that we could use the bathroom and brush our teeth before my big ultrasound.  We were even melting snow so that we could flush the toilet. 

Earlier in the year, we lost heat due to an ignition problem.  Our wonderful neighbors let us borrow some space heaters so we could be comfortable in a few rooms.  We also had problems with the blower on the air conditioner during a hot spell this summer. 

Yesterday we lost all power.  No tv.  No internet (even with fully charged laptops). No lights.  No ignition for the furnace.  No ignition for the gas stove.  No matches or anything in the house.  Thankfully it warmed to above freezing and Hubby cleared the driveway and went out to get us an "aimer-flamer." 

I was struck by how much we rely on these basics:  clean, running water IN THE HOUSE; heat on demand; lights to read and cook by (I'll just say cooking burgers by TOUCH isn't very easy, although they did turn out well); cool air on demand....  the list could go on.

We are so blessed in this country.  Most people enjoy clean water and electricity.  In so many places in the world, clean water is a luxury.  Running water is incomprehensible.

I'd like to make a plea for you to consider all we take for granted.   Consider giving just a few dollars to help people less fortunate.  Give locally.  Give internationally.  It doesn't matter.  Just bless someone else.  World Vision has some fantastic and creative ways to give including farm animals, clean water, education, medical care - both internationally and domestically.  They have been key in the relief efforts in Haiti as well.

As you are consider giving, give thanks to God for all you have.  We are blessed abundantly.  Try sitting down and listing each way God has blessed you.  Set a timer and see how many you can list in two minutes.  I bet the timer will run out and you will still be able to fill pages.  Be the Blessing.