Recalculating, continued… Power Outage

“I will guide you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths.” Proverbs 4:11

Our area experienced the remnant of Ike last month. Due to the fierce winds, thousands in our community lost power, some for as long as five days.  As my friends shared experiences, we expressed gratitude that our loved ones were safe and our homes in tact. We agreed we experienced minor inconveniences compared to Galveston, Houston, and New Orleans.

Life as we knew it, changed during our outage. We couldn’t use our computers, sewing machines, ovens, washing machines or dryers. We had to refrain from opening our refrigerators and freezers.  We had to have an action plan to determine how to store those frozen products to avoid loss if the outage lasted longer than forty-eight hours. Though we had intentions to do something and stay busy, we were helpless to follow through without electricity.  Some lost phone service, their places of employment were closed, and activities were cancelled or postponed. Schedules were definitely interrupted.

Our trees survived but our neighbors lost four. Their trees were totally uprooted and lay on the ground, but not before damaging a nearby fence.

Yes, we had to assess and recalculate: our time, decisions, plans, and in some cases, finances were affected by loss of power.  We made calls to the power company to get an estimate as to when power would be restored, but in the interim we operated with less than desirable alternative plans. We recognized our helplessness. Without power, life was different and definitely took more effort.

The trees probably gave us the greatest visual. Roots down deep in the soil kept some trees securely in place.  A few leaves in the gusty wind fell and decorated the lawn, but the trees remained in tact. Those without deep roots or not adequately watered and cared for, succumbed, falling over, breaking, and in some cases causing damage. At the very least, someone had to clean up the mess. Beauty was reduced in an otherwise lovely yard. This fall, I will miss the colorful leaves as I look out my window; next summer, shade will be absent in our neighbor's  yard.

What about your roots? Are they deep so that when you are forced to recalculate and change plans, you draw on your roots in God and His word? What is your power source? Have you wholeheartedly tapped into prayer and the confidence of a relationship with an  all-knowing God? When you are in a place of recalculating, does His wisdom guide you? Are you confident in His plans and secure in His unfailing love despite changes in your agenda?

Life is full of recalculations. Power outages leave us helpless and as we struggle to make alternatives work, we expend too much energy. We may even create messes and reduce the beauty around us. Consider deepening your roots today. Intentionally develop regular time with the Lord, commit to prayer on a daily basis. Plug in and keep your power source active in your life. © Marilyn Nutter 2008

Reflection: Meditate on Psalm 27:1 and Psalm 28: 7-8 as you consider your power source each day.

Overnight Salad

This is a delicious recipe to serve for company! It can be prepared the night before and continues to “recalculate” as it sits in the refrigerator overnight because the dressing works its way down to the first layer.  If you have any left after serving, it is still good the next day. Yes, you will definitely need power to keep the salad cold.

1 head lettuce, torn into pieces              ¼ cup sugar

1 10 oz. package frozen peas                            1 cup mayonnaise

½ cup chopped celery                                      2 Tbsp. milk

                                                                        8 strips bacon, fried, drained and crumbled

                                                                        4 oz. grated cheddar or Swiss cheese

Layer lettuce, peas and celery in an oblong pan or large clear glass bowl. (If you like, you can also add two chopped hard boiled eggs to this step.) Repeat layers.

Mix sugar, mayonnaise, and milk and spread on top layer to the edges. Sprinkle cheese on top. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Just before serving, sprinkle with bacon.