I arrived this morning at my usual Bible study appointment and found the building dark. Power is out all over town after a brief windstorm. It is amazing. I could stand on the front steps of the office building and look at a hotel accross the streets that was still using its outdoor lights even though it was day. Waste and deprivation only a hundred yards apart.

I’ve got a lump in my throat about what will happen with our roof, since it is missing shingles, but at least I am air conditioned and have a usable home. Many are without electricity still. The shopping center in walking distance from us and the Schnuck’s have all been closed for two days. Just down the street.

Places that are open and working have been incredibly crowded from heat refugees deciding to spend a few hours browsing books or grocery shopping or mall shopping in the electric coolness. Outside it is oppressive. Yesterday, it was actually breezy, reminding me of the tropical winds in the tropical heat of Kwajalein. But the wind died down and the air simply became oppressive.

Yuck.

By the way, can you imagine being a business suddenly losing two days while your competitor gets all your customers and your hourly employees start wondering about other places to work? Next time you hear someone judged for “price gouging” remember that they have just as unpredictable a future as you do.