The powers out so you can see the lightening 6/16/21

Last night we had a big storm blow through. It was not on the weather when we checked the forecast earlier in the day but as we rode our bikes in the campground around 6pm, we could see it building on the horizon. We got back to Betty and decided we should pick up some stuff that might get wet if it rained. Little did we know that the storm coming our way was a doozy.

Within minutes the rain started pummeling our little trailer. Then the wind came in with such force that we thought we might blow away. And then the lightening started. And then the power went out.

Power going out in a storm can sometimes be a fun thing. Pull out the candles, bundle up and wait it out. But when it is in the high 90’s outside, with 60% humidity, it is not such a wonderful thing. Add in two big, black, hairy dogs and it can become down right dangerous.

We have had so much going on these past few weeks that I have been dealing with a heightened level of anxiety this past week. So when the power went out I had a hard time seeing the positive in any of it. I started to panic. What will we do with the dogs. What if it doesn’t come back on for days. What if we get hit by lightening in our little camper. What if there is a tornado that comes through. Yep, I admit it - I was spiraling.

I took a video and posted it to my Instagram page. I think I was hoping that people would see it and lift up some prayers for us if they could. This morning - with things in a bit better perspective - I checked my IG page and read some of the comments. Yes, you all were lifting up prayers for which I was grateful - but my favorite said this - “the power is out so you can see the lightening better”. So much perspective in those few words.

Once we opened up all the windows so we could get a breeze in the camper, and pulled out all the little battery operated fans I keep tucked away for just such an occasion, we poured ourselves a glass of wine, and watched the sky light up. There was a bit of romance to it. The dogs were fine. And the power came back on shortly after midnight. We were okay.

And I will be holding this bit of wisdom with me from now on. It reminds me of the haiku written by a 17th century Japanese poet that says, “Barns burned down - now I can see the moon”.

Thank goodness for storms that blow out all the cobwebs and bring in fresh perspectives. And for the wise ones that help us regain our footing when we get off balance and succumb to our worst fears and anxiety.