That Time of Year Make space for the
moments in between

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Each afternoon, the sun holds court over Lake Hamilton, and the world is remarkably still

The quiet calm is interrupted only on occasion by the intermittent tones of a dog barking in the distance—for reasons known only to himself. The cool, blue sky reflects on the water, mirroring the image of a barn swallow flying overhead. The swallow has no destination in mind.

At the same time, energy use quietly peaks. Neighborhoods fill with the low murmur of daily life—kids at play, conversations from porches and the gentle whir of cooling systems working overtime. These late afternoons that slide into evening offer some of the best energy moments of the day—and a chance to lean into programs like Smart Direct Load Control.

Loving hands ease a skillet of golden fried fish from the stovetop, the aroma drifting through the kitchen like a quiet invitation. Nearby, an electric ice cream maker hums along, churning out the evening’s dessert. Outside, folding chairs gather around shady spots, and neighbors fan themselves. It’s the kind of comfort that settles into a home and stays a while.

Upstairs, two children play. The room is trimmed with bright posters and shelves lined with figurines and odd treasures. Items that, in years to come, will be tucked away in boxes and stored with the other memories of their youth. The hum of the air conditioning cooling the room competes with the playful chatter of the children.

Outside their window, the sun shines in and a bird flies by with no particular destination in mind. The children’s feet hit the floor and cotton socks slide across the room. Voices fill the home.

These are the moments in between. The moments often forgotten, when noise loosens its grip and silence takes over. The noise of cars, appointments, newsfeeds and deadlines of a busy day fades.

In a world that constantly asks us to move faster and to do more, these pauses are a chance to take stock of where we are and what truly matters. It’s during these times that the smart thermostat clicks off quietly and automatically without anyone really noticing. The A/C gets a long-awaited break, offering it an opportunity to temporarily pause, exhale and join in on a lazy summer day. This pause allows the family to lower their bill and the grid to grow just that much stronger.

It’s in these quiet spaces between all the doing that we’re reminded these simple moments don’t last forever. That is, unless we choose to stop, even briefly, and take them in. To sit with them. To feel their weight, not because they are lofty but because they are real. Not because they scream at us, but because they whisper to us.

Slowly, the sun makes its journey over Lake Hamilton, and the world is remarkably still. The quiet calm is interrupted only by the laughter of children playing in the backyard a few houses down.

The amber sky reflects on the water, doubling the beauty of the land. This day, like every day, shines as proof that energy isn’t used. It’s lived.

Smart Direct Load Control

With this program, qualifying smart thermostats can be professionally installed at no cost, helping families enjoy lazy summer afternoons while also saving a little energy when it matters most.

Ready to start saving automatically?

Learn more and enroll in the Smart Direct Load Control Program today at entergyarkansas.com/easysave. It’s an easy and effortless step that helps you lower costs and support your community.