I have vivid memories of Saturday mornings as a child. My parents kept CMT music videos blaring on the tv, the windows thrown open with the smell of laundry detergent. We played barbies, climbed trees, or sang with my mom as we waited to fellowship over my dad’s infamous weekend pancakes. Saturday mornings made me feel like all was right with the world and nothing was better than time with my family.
The activities on Saturdays morphed as we got older. Barbies were replaced with recreation league football games in the fall, softball in the spring. Climbing trees turned into back porch swinging as a college student. But the pancakes, and singing with our mom remained. Saturday’s were sacred in our house. And I’m happy to keep them as sanctified as they were years ago.
This morning we all awoke at the same time. I opened my eyes to warm sunshine through the windows and my first thought… “Saturday morning pancakes!”
Today will be a memory etched in my mind; but also will give me motivation to keep this tradition going. My boys headed out to play in the cul-de-sac and I mixed Bisquick and milk to bring that memory to life in my own home. It’s one of those moments when you look around and think… “This is what life’s about.”
I watched my boys play in the drive way as I flipped that floury mix and sipped chestnut coffee from my favorite mug. I started a load of laundry (complete with tiny toddler shirts and pajamas from the night before.) I caught myself wiping tears as I was reminded that’s it’s the small things that matter. Days with a toddler are often a blur. Special moments in our busy lives are often forgotten as weeks turn into months and months into years. There are tantrums and diapers… Lots of diapers. There’s “No, no’s” and precious hugs. As husband and wife we share quick kisses and high fives for “tee tee in the potty” instead of waking slowly from pulling all nighters the night before.
Today reflects, that life is coming full circle. If someone had asked me three years ago what made me most happy, I doubt this would’ve been on my list. I would’ve said something about traveling or nights out with friends. There’s nothing wrong with that. For that season of life, those things did provide my happiness. But this season brings simplistic joys that fill my heart and flood my mind. Today is a moment that reassures me of God’s all-knowing power; that His plan is so much greater than my own.
As we finished breakfast and prepared to wash cars in the driveway, I let God love on me as I breathed in the goodness of His blessings. Who knew that soap suds and squeals of delight from a soon-to-be two year old could make me feel this proud? I knew Sam felt it, too. I could’ve cried again as I heard him say, “We really need to do this every Saturday morning.” Yes, yes we do, babe. Because I have hopes that my little boy will one day look out of the window with a heart full of joy as he watches his own child play and wait for that Saturday morning goodness.
He will go through seasons of life when flour, milk, and eggs won’t mean much. He will inevitably have weekends when he’ll sleep until noon. He will soak up time that is meant to be just about him. I hope he enjoys those moments as much as I did.
But I pray that he also has a day like today… When he watches one of God’s greatest miracles walk barefoot as he feels Gods indescribable love. I pray he thinks back and remembers Saturday mornings climbing trees, washing cars, those scrumptious weekend pancakes, and a family that loves him more than they ever thought possible. So next Saturday, despite being tired or facing a tantrum from the night before, I will grab my mixing spoon, put on some country music, and again let God’s love fill our home. May your Saturday be blessed.
house of stain 