Loss of Internet and Power

This past week, I have been reminded life does go on without the internet or electrical power!  A week ago our internet went down due to a storm.  Five days later, after several calls to our internet provider,  it was finally determined the real issue was with our router.  This was determined only after the provider had resolved storm related issues at their towers first.  With problems resolved and internet finally restored, via an old router until the new more-powerful replacement arrives, I was looking forward to starting my week in a fully technologically function office early Monday morning.  Turns out, God had other plans for my morning.  If you ever want to hear God laugh, just tell him your plans!  It appears he wanted me to slow down to a pace even slower than that of my backup router. 

After conceding to His will, I sat in my recliner, Bible in hand.  I would use this time to read His word and prepare the lesson I am to each at church next Sunday.  Was thrilled to be getting an early start.  Not long after getting started, I heard a click and chime.  Turns out the power came on two hours earlier that the electric company had expected.  I was happy for the quick return of power.  But I was also sad to see the forced quite time fade away.  It only fades away because of our doings.  As I made the choice to remain there in the natural light from the window studying his Word, I remembered the physical and mental rest associated with power outages occurring during the busy times in my life as a parent.  Seems we never got a rest during those times from the hustle and bustle of all the demands on a busy family with children and teenagers.  I remembered the time I had wanted to declare a weekly "Power Off Wednesday".  As you can imagine, this never happened.  Why do we find it so difficult to hit that "power off" switch?  If you are wondering what I was reading in the Bible, it was passages about resting on the seventh day, the Sabbath, and letting the land rest every seven years.  Turns out our inability to to unplug and rest is nothing new.  The Israelites were faced with the same challenges of unplugging from the work of their world and resting as well.  The end result was not good for them.  I believe there is a lesson we need to learn from the past here.  Not a lesson we want to learn, but rather one we need to learn.

When you unplug and regroup after an unexpected outage, it seems easier to find a little time to stop and smell the roses.  Here is a rose from my yard, with petals fully extended, as it shows off all if its inner beauty.  Have a beautiful and blessed day!