There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven."   

Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NIV)

Seasonal Recalculating

My friend Jane listed her status on Facebook as “recalculating.”  I wrote back with a “LOL” and wondered what she was doing. She told me that she was starting a new exercise program and taking charge of her health. I think the recalculation interest came as a result of discussion with our friends one afternoon. All in the same life season, we talked about extra pounds, exercise, calcium, bone density tests, medication and osteoporosis. I know it reads like a program at a health fair, but we openly shared some of our concerns, our current status, and interspersed a lot of laughter in the conversation. We’re at a crossroads in life—looking at a new season with a new perspective. We are all recalculating.

Seasonal recalculation has different phases. For some, it may be waving to a child heading off on a school bus for the first day or kindergarten, the changing season of beginning first grade all day, entering middle school awkwardness, or high school insecurity. Mothers share those seasons with their children. Sometimes our life is even identified by our children’s seasons and we recalculate.

We may recalculate as we consider returning to the workplace, changing jobs or careers, retiring, or going back to school.

We recalculate when we move from an apartment to the responsibility of home ownership; move from the house we raised our family in and downsize; when we move to another community or state.

We recalculate when illness strikes and we invite a parent to come and live with us, when our spouse loses his job, when a friend decides to move on and doesn’t value the friendship, when an unexpected diagnosis blindsides us, when a conflict disturbs the harmony in our life.

Life is full of recalculations. In each one we reflect and ponder. We assess and regret. We cry and sometimes ask, “Why? “How?” or “When?”  We anticipate and set goals and dream. Recalculations call for adjustments and a change of plans. Sometimes they are voluntary; sometimes someone else writes the script for us. How we face our recalculations determines our contentment. Our attitudes affect how we travel. We can take the scenic route and enjoy the richness of the trip, with its new opportunities. We can journey prayerfully through the route with twists and turns that mark disappointments.  We can watch for detours and respond to the changes cautiously.  We may confidently continue on a path for an extended period of time or enjoy a rest stop and ponder our surroundings.

Today I am recalculating as I anticipate my husband’s retirement. There are many unknowns to us.  But in our seasonal recalculation, we take confidence from Psalm 62:11-12, “One thing God has spoken two things have I heard: that you, O God are strong, and that you, O Lord, are loving.” Those are words to hold on to in any seasonal recalculation.

Reflection: Are you in a seasonal recalculation today?  Perhaps you are waiting for the next step to take. Take time to read and reflect on the truths in these passages:  Isaiah 40:28-31, Is. 41:10, Is. 42:16.

© Marilyn Nutter 2008

Rice Salad

Back to school and fall schedules call for “recalculating.”  Our schedules and meal times change. Whether you are tired and coming in the door from work or want to spend extra time with children after school and with homework, this is a side dish that will save time. Most of it can be made ahead. It’s a tasty and different compliment to grilled meat or chicken, with vegetables included.

3 cups cooked rice *  (1/2 brown and ½ white) Set aside to cool.

Sauté in olive oil:

3 cloves garlic minced

2 medium carrots cut in strips

1 medium zucchini, cubed 

Add to rice. Add 1 can kidney beans, drained and 1 can Italian style tomatoes.  Combine well. Cover and refrigerate.

Just before serving, add ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, ½ cup Italian salad dressing and ½ cup chopped fresh basil leaves and sprinkle with oregano.

*You can use “boil in a bag” rice and easily prepare brown and white.