What Remains After the Storm

What Remains, 2020

Oil on canvas

20” x 16”

This week has been a doozy and there has been entirely too much excitement for my  delicate sensibilities. A large wind storm blew through our neck of the wood on Monday. This unexpected harbinger of fall took down a slew of trees, as well as the power. Over 15,000 residences in our area were left without the modern convenience of electricity and ours was one of them. Unfortunately, the same storm which took out the lines also made it unsafe for the crews to repair them. This tricky situation was further compounded by multiple wild-fires raging to the north, east, and west of us. The looming threat of evacuation was lingering in the back of everyone’s mind as we patiently passed the time in the dark.

Power outages are not an uncommon occurrence here and as such a certain degree of preparedness is the norm. Extra batteries, candles, lanterns, water jugs, and board games are all standard equipment. As disruptive as the outage was, in a way it was a blessing. No power means no tv; and no tv means no News. Which in turn, means no stress or distractions from spending real quality time with one another. The loss of electricity is also amazingly effective at highlighting all the gifts we take for granted when life is running smoothly.  I had to laugh at myself about the 100th time I flipped a light-switch, out of habit, as I walked in a room. That being said, the loss of power and running water for three days was no picnic.

Thankfully God was on the situation. Over night He calmed the gusting wind from the north, allowing firefighters to reinstate the use of helicopters to combat the blazes. Linemen from the power company were also able to begin repairs under these safer conditions. The dissipating storm meant less winds fanning the fire, slowing it’s spread. This allowed folks in severely effected regions the time they needed to evacuate safely. Praise God! Amazingly, within 48 hours people were able to return to their homes. On the third day our power was restored! Lights came on all over the house (thanks to all my switch flipping) and we all celebrated with hot showers, running laundry and washing dishes :). Though ultimately we were not among the evacuees (that in itself is a blessing), I am so thankful for God’s protection and provision for me and my family. 

When the whole ordeal was over, I volunteered to take my grandmother into town to go shopping. It was along the drive that the most beautiful sight struck me - mountains floating in midair! Residual smoke from the recent fires had settled into the valleys producing the illusion that the massive peaks were defying gravity; gracefully floating on delicate clouds. And the tiny smoke particulates in the air veiled the entire scene in a soft blue haze. It’s crazy to think that the same smoke which signified impending danger, only days prior, could evoke such beauty. I thank God for shifting my mind from survival mode and granting me the peace necessary to even notice this moment. This scene was such a beautiful gift and one that truly blessed and inspired me. Our God is so amazing.

My household was fortunate, but many people are at risk right now from the fires still raging. This week please partner with me in prayer for them: 

Lord God, extinguish these fires in the name of Jesus Christ! Please keep your children safe, protect and guide them to safety. Please protect their homes and their property. And we pray a special blessing over our emergency workers - Father God, thank you for these brave people. Please protect and strengthen them, grant them the ability to work swiftly and safely! In Jesus’ name, amen!