Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Making Pancakes with God

It was a Wednesday morning and my first Snow Day of the year. (Yes, teachers most definitely look forward to Snow Days as much as kids do!) My usual morning routine consists of me waking up after my alarm goes off twice; having worship; taking a shower; getting dressed; eating breakfast; and then out the door with several bags in tow.

My Snow Day was different, however. With no students to teach and no place to rush to, I stayed under my warm, comfy covers until my stomach convinced me to get out of bed. What was it screaming for?

Pancakes.

Always in a rush to get to work on time, I can never have pancakes for breakfast during the week. Today was different. But as I was getting the ingredients, I realized that since I didn't follow my usual morning routine, I missed my time with God.

As I whisked Aunt Jemima's pancake mix with water, I talked to God, thanking him for the snow and the day that was ahead of me. I asked Him to be with my family, my students, and the people that were traveling outside. I wondered what my unplanned day would be like, but I knew that He would be with me throughout it.

While the pancakes were simmering in the frying pan, I went to my room and grabbed my devotional, Jesus Calling. By the time I returned to the kitchen, it was time to flip the pancakes. Before I knew it, there was a heaping pile on the plate.

I sat down at the table with the pancakes before me and the butter and syrup by its side. I opened my book and smiled as the pancakes seemed to melt in my mouth. Perfect.

What was even more perfect about that morning was that I got to make pancakes with God. He was right there with me in the process, listening to me, hanging on every word. I was out of my routine, which was a blessing because I experienced God in a new way.

After breakfast and my devotional, I spent some more time with Him and watched a Nooma video, thinking about its meaning as I cleaned up. My Snow Day blessed me with things that I don't get very often: rest, pancakes, and unrushed time with God.

Servant Leader

"The greatest leader is a servant leader.  Don't be a boss.  Be a real leader, a servant leader.  A servant leader is a winner.  Even when when he loses everything, even when he loses his life, a servant leader wins it all." -Pat Williams, senior vice president of the Orlando Magic