Rich's Diet Secret

Betsey: Jane, the book The Year of Magical Thinking, about a woman losing her husband, just came up as a possibility for our book club. (I still like saying that–makes me feel mainstream, like I’m doing what other people do.) I’ve heard it’s rather bleak, but very honest and compelling. And it made me think, yet again, how precious our husbands are and how much I want to make the most of my time with this incredible man God has given me to love and cherish.

Do you and Rich ever talk about “what’s next”? Fritz and I had a wonderful conversation on our patio last weekend, in the shade, about everything from committing to taking good care of ourselves physically to how cool it would be to have grandbabies to long-term financial considerations. We’ve started to set some specific goals. And really, I think we need to be praying about these things more.

It’s scary when you hear the gloom-and-doom predictions in the media for our generation. But at the same time, where does that basic, bedrock “my times are in Your hands” affirmation come in?

Jane: Betsey, it's funny you bring this up because just this very morning, Rich and I talked about life . . . and death. Rich recently lost some weight (I'm so jealous) because of his family health history—diabetes, heart problems, etc. Rich mentioned ever so gently (weight is a trigger issue for me, so he tiptoed in, wise man that he is) that he worries some about me, because of my extra pounds. Instead of being annoyed or hurt by his comment, I took it to heart. You see, we want to be around for each other for a long time!

The truth is, I worry about losing Rich sometimes. And I don't want to take him for granted. So we try to make the most of our time—especially now with our empty nest—by going on these adventurous cross-country motorcycle trips, or visiting our out-of-state family, or even just enjoying quiet moments on our deck, savoring coffee (in his case, green tea!) and the creation surrounding us.

I like to make plans. But then I remember I need to add to them, “If it's your will.” Because life can stop on a dime. So I suppose this “my times are in your hands” might include seizing each day and squeezing the joy out of it, yet being circumspect about the future.

Betsey: So what’s Rich’s diet secret?

Jane: Well, actually, I believe he said it had something to do with “eating less.” What a concept!

Betsey: You're right--men can lose essentially by, well, deciding to. My late dad, who was what the old folks used to call a “character,” simply decided he was going to eat nothing but chicken and broccoli and slim down that way. And he did, to the point of looking as lean as Lance Armstrong. Women, alas, are a different story.

Jane: Trust me, I know that story. I wrote that story.

Betsey: I admire the way you and Rich just do stuff. It’s so easy to let the dailiness of life get in the way. And I want us to feel good and energetic while we’re doing stuff. It’s hard to imagine in the midst of these dog days--having energy!-–but what you say about the trust, the joy, and the planning all makes sense.

Jane: And don't forget the motorcycle!

How do you keep the “dailiness” of life at bay? What ways do you squeeze joy out of each day—even in the not-so-joyful times?