4-23-2021

 

Mary’s Minute

“The only thing you sometimes have control over is perspective. You don't have control over your situation. But you have a choice about how you view it.”

                                                               ~ Chris Pine

Last night I got home from work to find I had no electricity in my apartment.  I called Duke and my landlord and was told it could be “anytime” to a couple of hours.  “Anytime” went well beyond a couple of hours, and by around 8:00 PM as candles flickered around me, I sat on my couch covered with multiple blankets feeling sorry for myself.  I was cold, I didn’t have internet, I didn’t have TV, and it was dark! 

Then I had a bit of a revelation, as I thought about perspective.  I had roof over my head, candles to burn, blankets to keep me warm, and even a phone where I could still surf the internet and communicate with people.  Taking it a step further, I had a car and resources to find a warm place.  Better yet, I knew that I had a host of people I could call who would have helped me.  Suddenly, I couldn’t feel sorry for myself.  Instead, I felt grateful, humble, and privileged.   

When just before 10:00 PM when the electricity came back on, I realized how very fortunate I am.  I know just knowing isn’t enough, I need to use what I know to make a difference.  A few hours in the dark were good for me!

                                                                Have a great week!

                                                                                                      Mary