Apples to Apples in the Dark: The Side Benefits of Earth Hour

Earth Hour just ended on the East Coast. Throughout the world today homes, businesses, and cities have turned out their lights from 8:30 to 9:30 PM wherever they are in the world. The purpose, of course, is to raise awareness of the need to reduce our energy usage so we can take better care of our planet. I'm not sure how effective this sort of thing is, but it feels good to participate in a global event.

Perhaps the best part of this was the opportunity to spend an hour playing a game with my family. Now that Earth Hour is over we have each gone on to our separate "activities" (computer, TV, etc.). For that hour, however, without the benefit of lights (and choosing not to use computers and watch TV) we let go of the usual distractions to have some fun together.

Maybe that's as good a lesson as any from this experience. The power that consumes precious and non-renewable resources on our planet can also consume time and energy that we might otherwise spend together as families and communities. Technology provides so much that is positive, and I would not want to give up any of it. But occasionally "fasting" from all of it provides the opportunity for simpler joys in life.

Candlelight and a game of Apples to Apples provided an hour of laughter, conversation, time together, and, I suspect, some good memories. That is worth an hour in the dark. Reducing our carbon footprint a tiny bit at the same time makes the experience all the better.

Thanks be to God!