The post this week is a little delayed as I’m recovering from a 3-day power outage here in the Northeast.  As is typically the case with any crisis or loss, this event presented an abundance of opportunities for personal growth as well as teachable moments to benefit our children.

There are distinct differences in the way people approach a challenge like this; or any challenge for that matter.  The glass is either half empty or half full.  The choice is always the same and is available to any of us: 1) complain and criticize or 2) smile and move forward.  Which do you choose? 

We’ve all seen examples of people who, despite horrific circumstances, are able to blossom.   We usually call these people heros.  But there are many more who succumb to the draw of negativity.  It bothers me to watch televised accounts of natural disasters during which people expend their energy complaining that ‘not enough is being done’ to help them.  I’m not convinced that there is such a thing as ‘enough’ to counteract the omnipotent force of nature.  So I’d rather save my energy for the immense work at hand than to dispense of it carelessly by worrying about what has been lost and not replaced.

My weekend without power was just that – an immense amount of work and a measure of loss – lost sleep, lost food, lost comfort, lost time…….Amidst the frustration, I found myself feeling humbled.  Despite the fact that we had to do without so many comforts and conveniences, we still were living in a state of luxury compared to many in this world.  As I melted snow on the wood stove to flush toilets, it occured to me that the pioneers of this country just a few hundred years ago would have killed for an indoor toilet. 

Some of my other observations:

• Electronics make life noisy.  The absence of them creates an incredible silence.
• It’s easy to be on time when there’s no power because I’m not distracted by aforementioned electronics.
• Many, many delicious foods can be prepared on top of a wood stove.  Who knew?
• My priorities could use an overhaul.  Playing family board games by candlelight for lack of other entertainment is fun and rewarding!
• When you’re focused on safety and survival, there’s no time, energy, or desire for arguing, or nagging children to pick up dirty socks.

Life is full of teachable moments.  And children are always observing.  What do we want our children to learn about handling difficult situations?  Do we act in a manner that reflects maturity and resilience? 

I’d like to know that my children have learned a thing or two about survival from their time with me.   Hopefully then, when they’re living on their own, I won’t need a working phone or email service to know that they are getting along just fine during a crisis; and maybe even smiling and counting their blessings as well!