If you’ve been following along in our Life Lessons from RV Living series, you know we’ve already covered the luxury of hot water and the importance of space. Today we’re shining a light literally, on another lesson that sticks with us to this day: the power of power.

Most folks don’t think twice about flipping a switch, charging a phone, or running a blender while watching TV. Electricity is just there, invisible and unlimited. But if you’ve ever lived in an RV, you know power isn’t always guaranteed and when it’s not, you gain a whole new perspective on just how valuable it is

The Reality of Power on the Road

In our 24-foot Entegra Odyssey Class C RV, power came with strings attached. You couldn’t just plug in all your gadgets and let them run. You had to constantly think about where your electricity was coming from and how much you had to spare. Too many things running at once means lights out, for real for real :)

Batteries: They gave us freedom when we were boondocking (camping without hookups), but batteries don’t last forever. Run them down too far, and you’re out of luck until you recharge.

Generator: Oh, the sweet hum of a generator on a hot night! But running one also meant burning fuel and listening to that constant buzz. Not exactly a peaceful backdrop for stargazing. Running the generator is a good way to drive your neighbors crazy and yourself that loud hum gets old real fast!

Shore Power: This was the golden ticket plugging into a campground pedestal and having “unlimited” electricity. But even then, you had to know your limits. Try running the AC, microwave, and coffee pot at the same time? Pop! Oops, there went the breaker.

Conservation: When not plugged in to shore power every light switch, every fan, every appliance required thought. Do I really need to charge my laptop and watch Netflix tonight? Or should I save the juice for tomorrow?

Safety: One of the most important lessons RV life taught us was this: always unplug appliances when leaving for an extended period. Not only does this conserve energy, but it also helps prevent unexpected electrical issues or even fire hazards while you’re away. A few extra seconds of unplugging can save you a world of worry down the road.

Living with less power made us more intentional. And honestly? That lesson is priceless.

The Lesson for Everyone (Not Just RVers)

You don’t have to live in an RV to understand this truth: it’s easy to take reliable power for granted.

Think about it: how often do you plug in your phone without even looking? Or turn on the stove, hair dryer, or washer without considering where that electricity comes from?

What RV life showed us is that when power isn’t guaranteed, you realize just how dependent you are on it and just how blessed you are when it’s there.

So here’s the challenge: take a moment this week to notice how often you use electricity. Every switch, every plug, every hum of an appliance is a gift. And if you really want to push yourself, try unplugging for an evening. Light some candles, skip the TV, and feel what life is like without the “magic.” You might find a new appreciation for electricity.

Why This Matters for Folks Like Us

As folks of a certain age, we’ve lived through stages where we worked hard to afford bigger homes, nicer cars, more gadgets. But sometimes those very conveniences can make us forget how rich life already is.

RV living pulled us back into the basics. It stripped away the illusion of “unlimited everything” and reminded us that every luxury we enjoy: hot water, space, power was once something we didn’t have. That perspective is priceless.

Because when you know what it feels like to go without, you never stop appreciating when you have more than enough.

The Joy in Gratitude

Today, we don’t just flip on a light. We smile when it comes on.

We don’t just charge our phones. We give thanks that it’ll be ready when we need it.

We don’t just cook a meal in the air fryer with all the appliances running. We breathe a prayer of gratitude for the abundance that surrounds us.

Some days RV living was full of challenges but it also gave us a lens to see life differently. And that’s the gift we want to share with you: gratitude changes everything.

If you read this far and are nodding your head, we want to challenge you this week:

• Notice how often you use power without thinking.
• Find one moment each day to pause and give thanks for it.
• And if you’re ready for a bigger shift, ask yourself: what simple joy am I overlooking in my own life right now?

Drop your answer in the comments we’d love to hear what everyday comforts you’re most grateful for.

And stay tuned for Part 4 of our Life Lessons from RV Living series, where we’ll talk about one of the biggest lessons of all: Community is Everywhere.

Thanks for stopping by we appreciate you being here more than you know!

Kirsten & Mack

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