Take a look around your home. What do you see that utilizes electricity? The kitchen probably contains a refrigerator, oven, microwave, and maybe a dishwasher. Light switches and electrical sockets may line several walls in each room. Chances are you can find a television set or computer monitor somewhere around the house. I have a home office, and I rely on my laptop for work and my modem for Wi-Fi. What do all of these things say about us? Our society is dependent on electrical current.
Recently, I found myself without a hair dryer and getting ready for work by lantern light. No, I was not on a camp out; I was part of the one million Pacific Gas and Electric Company customers that lost electrical power twice in the month of October. My electricity was out for a total of eight days, giving me plenty of time for reflection on society’s dependence on electricity and the modern-day appliances that we use out of necessity and convenience.
I observed that in Shasta county, citizens were divided in three categories: the “Haves”, the “Have Nots”, and the “Middle Class”. Let me explain.
Those Who Kept Their Power
The Haves were those who kept full electrical power regardless of the PG&E Public Safety Power Shut Off. They were customers of a different utility company that supplies electricity to the main city; therefore life went on as normal for these fortunate ones. Sure, the Internet may have been intermittent and data may have run a little slower on their cell phones, but otherwise they were getting up in the morning, getting ready for work, and living just like they would any other sun-shiny, but windy October day.
Many of them were ignorant of the fact that some of their neighbors didn’t have electricity. Some showed up to work complaining that it took them longer than usual to get gasoline in the morning because so many people were filling portable gas tanks. They did not realize that the gasoline would be used to power generators. At the convenience store, I saw them blink absentmindedly when someone came in cheering that they had found an open gas station. The Haves wondered what in the world was going on. Some of them asked about it, but didn’t really pay attention to the answer. “Oh, yeah, I forgot that some people were without power,” I heard an employee at the market say. Out of sight, meant out of mind.
The Powerless
Some unfortunate souls rely on electricity for everything in their household. These Have Nots were the ones that I felt most sorry for. They are the ones who get their water from a well (which uses an electric pump). When they are notified that the electricity will be turned off, they quickly fill jugs of water for drinking and also fill the bath tubs for toilet flushing. They shiver all night and layer their clothing during the day because their heater or pellet stove needs power to run. Some go into survival mode while others become creative. You’ll find the resourceful ones outside at the barbecue making coffee in the morning, signifying that their stove is electric.
Until power is restored, they may fall off the grid entirely. You will not hear from them for a while because their landline phone uses electricity, their cell phone has no service, and they can’t use a modem to provide Wi-Fi for an email. When they do finally show up, it might be a sudden appearance on your doorstep because they are in need of a warm shower. Some of the Have Nots see the whole thing as an adventure. One friend set up a cot at work and camped at the office overnight so that he could use his C-Pap machine. Other’s give up on roughing it and get a hotel room if they can afford one.
The Middle Class
I am definitely part of the Electrical Middle Class. My family is on city water, which stayed working. We have a gas stove-top, a gas water heater, and a wood stove, so we can cook, shower, and stay warm. We own an electric vehicle, but we also have other gas-powered vehicles to use when it loses its charge. The gas station a few miles away had electrical power and stayed open. My work kept their electricity and Internet, and we continued to serve students,
Even though I would consider us Middle Class in this situation, we definitely had to make a few adjustments. My husband and I showered and dressed by battery-powered lantern light. My older son is taking an Internet course directed from the East Coast and must be online at his computer from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm. Because he needs a private work space with headphones, microphone, and Internet, he left the house at 6:00 and drove to his grandparents’ home. My younger son, who has two on-line independent study courses, went to work with me.
A Day in the Life of the Middle Class
The first full day without power, I drove my battery-powered Nissan Leaf. But my job often consists of traveling to various classes and student homes around town. Toss in the fact that I happened to have an eye doctor appointment that day, and I quickly I ran out of miles. I called the local Nissan car dealership. They had an electric vehicle charging station available, so I drove over, plugged in, and graded papers for an hour. This gave me 20 more miles to finish out the day.
My family regrouped around 6:00 at home. We ate salads and sandwiches for dinner. Then by lantern light we played Bananagrams, my favorite. Later we listened to comedy previously downloaded from Spotify, Jim Gaffigan, everyone’s favorite. We turned in for the night around 9:00 p.m.
The next day when I gathered with other teachers and students at the school’s resource center, we shared stories. Some had no running water and had showered at a friend’s house. One stayed in a hotel. One made party favors for an upcoming wedding and played chess.
The first full day felt sort of like an adventure, but I was beginning to tire of the situation at the end of the next day. First of all, I had to drive the gas-powered van to work. By evening I was exhausted and didn’t feel like cooking by candlelight so we went out to eat. Thankfully, just as we were heading to bed, the power came on. I was outside, trying to get the dog to go to the bathroom in the dark, when suddenly the porch lights flickered. I was surprised to feel a weight lift off my shoulders. It was as if I had been holding my breath without knowing it. “Whoo! Hoo!” we all cheered.
No Electricity – Round Two
Later in the month, we lost power again, for five days this time. We were in the middle of watching the Notre Dame football game. It was just a bit after halftime when BLANG! Everything went dark. I phoned my mom and dad, asked them to pause the game where it was, and we drove to their house to finish the game. A second adventure had begun.
Getting Grumpy
A day or two without electricity is one thing, but five more days gave pause for reflection. At first it felt a little exciting. But by day three, I was done. That was the day I had to pack up all my food into coolers because the freezer was defrosting. I felt the financial stress of wondering if all the food I had just purchased would spoil. I drove it to my parent’s house and luckily, they had room in their refrigerator and freezer. The whole process took several hours, and I was late for work.
I felt a little guilty for complaining because I knew others were feeling financial strains worse than mine. One had to pay for a hotel room to keep a medical device that is dependent on electricity running. You would think that I could appreciate the simple things in life, like hanging out with the family and playing games. Yes! That was fun! It felt a little bit like camping, which I enjoy. But when I camp, I am on vacation, and I don’t have to go to work.
Regardless of the power outages, I still had to work, cook, clean, and pay bills. Furthermore, my students still needed to complete their coursework. We all had to meet the same deadlines as those without electrical interruption, only for us it was more challenging. These days, we depend on Internet based textbooks and classes, making it difficult for all of my more rural independent study students. It wasn’t long before I noticed that teachers and students sectioned themselves into two groups: the Haves and the Have Nots. The Have Nots were the ones in hats, covering up their need for a shower or at the very least a hair dryer. The Haves seemed oblivious to our plight, with life proceeding as normal.
Toward the end, I found myself having power envy. My everyday tasks took longer, and I spent more money on meals because most of my food was stored at someone else’s house so that it wouldn’t spoil. I needed to do more during daylight hours, often driving into town just to use a printer or the Internet, and I was exhausted by 8:30 each night. The majority of my city paid no attention to my plight. I will be honest that their complaints about intermittent Internet service and slow lines at the gas station began to work my nerves.
Lessons to be Learned
Now that the situation is over, I can reflect on the circumstances and see that there are lessons to be learned. These examples can be applied to society at large and to me personally.
Help if You Can
First of all, as it is with electricity, so it can be with material possessions. Sometimes the Haves are so comfortable that they become complacent. They forget that others in society are lacking essentials or suffering in ways they can’t imagine. If you are someone who has, don’t ignore the predicament of the Have Nots. Philippians 2:4 has great advice! “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” In other words, look for ways to help others and follow through. When someone shows up on your doorstep in need of a shower, let them shower. Or if you hear about a friend or church member who needs something, take action. Step in and be generous. Sometimes things are more challenging for others to deal with due to their disposition or ability. Always try to have understanding and show compassion.
Don’t Play the Blame Game
Another factor I noticed was that I could not blame the Haves for my problems. It was not their fault that they had power and I did not. The fact that my life was more problematic and tiring was in no way caused by anything that they had or hadn’t done. Therefor, I had no right to become resentful. This is also true in life. We cannot blame those who are more fortunate for our problems. Sometimes “That’s just the way the cookie crumbles,” as my younger son used to say.
You Shall Not Covet Your Neighbor’s House – (Or Their Electricity)
Next, I was shocked at how easily those who Have Not, can become jealous of those who Have. I was extremely surprised that after only eight days, I was power envious and coveting the lifestyles of those with power, almost like people covet the lives of the rich and famous. They seemed so free. Life appeared so easy and normal. “Why shouldn’t it be that way with me?” I asked. I began whining. This is not a good place to be, and I had to ask forgiveness.
Have a Thankful Heart
I realized that instead, I should be thankful. We often take what we have for granted. I did not recognize my reliance on power, until it was gone. It is important to appreciate the little things like rain, sunshine, and yes…electricity. Value the fact that you have food, shelter, and friends. I am grateful for thousands of things, including the people who offered room in their refrigerator so that my food wouldn’t spoil, and my coworkers who did pay attention and tried to make my predicament more comfortable. I thoroughly enjoyed time around the table with my family, laughing and playing games. Because I went to bed around 9:00 each night, I was getting plenty of rest. These are just a fraction of the things I was thankful for, even though the situation was difficult.
Meaningful Outcomes
Finally, I am inspired by the creativity and the overall positive attitude that I found in many resilient souls around me. I would not have thought to make my morning tea on a barbecue. Some people converted their washing machines into ice chests to keep their food fresh. A few were sharing recipes for meals that could be cooked in a dutch oven on a wood stove. It is always beneficial to look at the positives in life if you can. I suggested that one of my students to go look at the stars one powerless night. He was surprised to admit that they sure shine more brightly when the power grid is down. Sometimes difficulties surprise us with beauty and inspire personal growth.
What were your experiences with the power outages? Do you have an example of how a hardship triggered something good in your life? Leave a comment below.
