During the ice storm of 97, most of us realized that the only real and constant energy that we can rely on is the power of God.

Everything depends on how you want to look at what happens in life. It doesn't make any difference what is going on "out there", what makes a difference is how you handle it. During the four days that I was without "earthly power", I learned a lot about myself. Some of it was not very commendable. I discovered that I like my creature comforts and when they are taken away from me I can get pretty difficult to be around. If you want verification of that, just ask my wife.

I should have realized that the "vigoro was about ready to hit the mixmaster" when my cable went out during the fourth quarter of the NFC championship football game. Of course, my cable going out has become a regular occurrence at my home.

I am a big proponent of trying to find God in the ordinary of life, but sometimes it gets very challenging. As I tried to boil some water in the fireplace so I could have a hot cup of coffee, I asked "Where is God in this situation?"

As my wife lit enough candles to illuminate most of southwest Louisiana, I asked "where is God now?"

As I lay in bed trying to stay warm with enough blankets on me to sink a ship, I said, "God must be here somewhere!"

After four days of not being able to take a shower, when I finally realized that the strange odor was not coming from spoiled food in the refrigerator, I shouted "God, come out, come out, where ever you are!"

What I think finally put me over the edge, was when a friend of mine (who spent the entire ordeal in a warm, spacious, comfortable motor home) said that "This power outage sure is an inconvenience". All I could think of was the words from 1 Corinthians 13, "Love is patient, Love is kind, Love is not rude." YA, RIGHT!

When I had given up trying to find God, He finally spoke to me in the quiet hidden places of my heart. He said, "At least you have blankets to keep you warm. Many people are living on the streets during this cold weather. Be thankful you have a loving wife to share your time with, many people are alone and afraid. At least you have candles to light the darkness. Appreciate the food you have in your refrigerator, many people will go hungry tonight."

Okay God I get the message. That crashing sound I heard was not a tree falling but my pride and ego being crushed.

Now that my power has been restored and all is right with my world again, the minor inconveniences that I endured is unfortunately a way of life for many people in our community. As a Catholic evangelizer, I must be a witness to those in my community most in need of help. The Good News of Jesus becomes a reality when we practice works of justice, charity and peace.

That is the authentic power of life!

Glenn Harmon © 2002