After the Storm, Simplicity is Sacred

"Patience is the kind of character trait everyone wants to possess but no one wants to develop" from Simple Words of Wisdom, by Penelope J. Stokes
I was writing the final paragraphs of my book yesterday afternoon (still in need of some serious editing) when a hot sunny day brewed quickly into a #thunderstorm that has left hundreds of thousands of people without power in #Columbus, #Ohio and surrounding areas this weekend. I had been writing all day so my creative mind was in a daze and startled by this sudden shift in the energy, as if it was somehow related or fighting against me. It was a crazy turn of events that will simply become part of the story, but it was scary for a moment as the winds whipped and twisted quickly through this little town bringing huge trees crashing into power lines and exploding generators with a bright burst of light that then darkened the block. Those of us without generators are SOL this weekend. They are saying it could be 5 to 7 days before power is restored and only a few business' are open in nearby areas.
Something I have noticed is having conversations with neighbors who rarely come out of their homes and some that I met for the first time after the storm. My teenage (sometimes couch potato) son was full of energy and went into town to help clear the trees that were blocking the road. He was out there directing traffic and talking with everyone. Members of the community pitched in to help those with damage to their houses clear the trees and cover up holes. I was thankful that I have a gas stove instead of complaining about the smell and took the time to make a big home cooked dinner last night and breakfast today before food might spoil. We enjoyed family conversation and a game of Jenga and Monopoly at the table without the threat of TV, computers, and video games luring us away from these scared moments. My kids and I have spent the day reading books and having conversations about how thankful we are that our house was not damaged in the storm. We recognized that many families in Colorado and Arizona are being evacuated from major fires that have destroyed hundreds of homes. We talked about how people survived different Tsunami and flooding tragedies and what that must have been like to find ways to endure and rebuild.
Sudden shifts in perspective can be pure reminders of what matters most and can bring communities together in a powerful way. I have other short term means of charging my cell phone thankfully, but this has shown me how dependent we have become on electricity for quick cooking, laundry, electronics, and so many other things. It makes me wonder what we would do without electricity in the event of a major catastrophe? One thing it does require is patience and a willingness to go with the flow rather than get stuck in frustration that we have been inconvenienced.
I choose to deal with what I can control and say, "It is what it is" with acceptance. I will appreciate all that we do have while absorbing this forced down time and lesson in patience. I will keep writing and recognize what comes natural to me with renewed determination in pursuing my passion. And I will enjoy more face to face time with the friends and family that are sometimes missed when we are otherwise distracted by electronics.