Azaleas in our front yard.What do hand sanitizer, paper plates, and not doing laundry have in common? They are part of what I am doing to conserve water after the weekend's Historic Flooding in Middle Tennessee. At least one water treatment plant has been flooded and so they have asked us to use half our normal water usage. So I figure we can use hand sanitizer a bit to wash our hands and more paper plates for a few less dishes. And I have a great excuse to not do as much laundry! I was trying to get away with not doing any. But that doesn't work in a family of six that includes dancers and ball players and your general-wearers-of-clothes.
But actually it is really good to think about NOT wasting water and using as little as I can. I should do it all of the time. I think of a friend living overseas who has only a certain amount of water all of the time. It gets turned off and on at random times for her. How much precious water I waste on a regular basis! I am thankful to think about conserving.
After two days of solid rain over the weekend, the sun has been out shining ever since. It is beautiful around here (like the pretty flowers above). God has given (the rain) and taken it away (so much sunshine!). The waters are receding, and the mess cleanup continues. Have you seen the Downtown Nashville and Opryland Hotel flooding pictures? Less available water available and less tourism, and we'll be feeling the effects for quite some time. Of course, those with the most damaged homes will feel it even longer.
But it is always inspiring to me how much neighbors help neighbors in times of crisis. People coming together to lend a hand. Most folks I know wish they could help more than they have (including me). It is good to get us out working side-by-side, reminding us that we need each other.
I am so thankful for the sunshine after the storm, a message that storms do end.
"This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24
You probably won't believe it when I say I haven't seen a thing about the floods. I've only heard about it through a blogger that mentioned it. I rarely watch the news. I'm glad things are improving, though!
ReplyDelete"I am so thankful for the sunshine after the storm. It is a good reminder that storms do end."
It felt good to read the above. I've been in a life storm for quite some time now and wonder if it will ever end. Thank you for that-it felt like a confirmation that yes, it will end. :)
I never thought of paper plates ... not that I would want to try and get out of the dishes or anything. Good idea. : )
ReplyDeleteHand sanitizer is a great idea. I've been keeping a tub in my sink to rinse dishes and catch the water. My Mom says I can pour the dirty water on plants outside--even if it is soapy. I have yet to try that. Haven't washed my hair in 4 or 5 days. I hope they'll be able to get the other water facility back online soon.
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