Powerless

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Posted on the 1st of December, 2011

We had a recent power outage at our house during the year's first winter storm. It only lasted about 10 hours, but it was some of the most enjoyable time our family spent together. You don't realize how much noise is in your home until it's all gone.

We spent time in the dark, just telling funny stories, cuddling and overall just being a family. My kids spent time enjoying "survival mode" and loved when my wife or I had to go get something or use the restroom so that they could escort us with their flashlight.

It was in this experience we realized how really connected we are to technology and things outside of what's really important. It's quick and easy to throw open the laptop (it still had battery power, but I pretended it didn't) and check tomorrow's weather but then you see a link for a story on your favorite team or something else to distract you. When that option is not there, you remained focused on those around you. When you no longer can turn a screen on to entertain your kids, you have to be the one to entertain them. It's what family's all about. We loved it.

Here's my wife's version (she experienced the full 10 hours):

"We were without power yesterday. I know you are thinking what an inconvenience that is, but when I reflect on the day I see actually what a blessing it was. I couldn't check my email or surf the internet, watch TV, do laundry or dishes, cook or clean. These are the things I find myself usually busied with all day long. When stripped of all of these modern conveniences and chores what else is there to do?
Well, I played imaginative games with my daughter and laid by her and read as she took a nap. After school my kids and I played in the snow, had a candle light dinner and read books in front of the fireplace.
We had all the flashlights ready for a night of darkness and cuddling. It was so silent and peaceful in our house without the hum of the furnace or refrigerator.
And then it all came to an end abruptly when everything returned to normal and in an instant our peace was over. Ironically, I found myself actually disappointed that the power came back on and that our adventure was over."

What a blessing. We've decided to truly "unplug" at least once a month now and go down in the basement and hit the circuit breaker for the whole house. Sometimes it's a good thing to be powerless.

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