It is interesting to watch one's community unfold during a huge power outage.  Recently, Connecticut and its surrounding states had an October nor’easter and thousands were left for days or weeks without power.  Our neighbors gathered together in the street and wished for hot coffee every morning.  One neighbor had a generator and offered room in his refrigerator for another.  There were nightly meetings outside about when the power might be back on.

High schools opened up for showers and shelters, and some towns gave out hot meals.  The longer without power, the less one felt alone.  The last night our house temperature had gotten down to 47 degrees Fahrenheit, and I was so close to bringing my son, Linus, to the high school shelter.  Yet, there had been hope earlier that evening when we saw the power trucks on our street.  They were cleaning up branches and making way for our power to be restored.  The neighbors were hoping to see the game on cable that night, and I wanted Linus to finally be warm.  Our family was in need of a hot meal and a warm house, but we knew we would not have much longer to wait.

The second we had hope, some turned to the necessities, while others looked forward to the luxuries.  As much as I missed having a nice cup of coffee, I was more worried about my son's safety.  In the wee hours of the next morning, I lied in bed praying for Linus's comfort as I heard the sound of the heat coming through our radiators.  My husband and I were so joyful that we awoke to share in some hot decaf coffee before returning to bed.  We are so lucky for all that we do have, because many have little hope.  But we can always find comfort in Jesus.  As we approach His coming, we can meditate on our blessings and be more generous to those less fortunate.

Copyright 2011 Tanya Weitzel