PAUSE is a reflection written by First Baptist ministers—an invitation to have a Present, Attuned, Unhurried, Spirit-led Experience. Today, Allison Collier, our Minister of Christian Formation, invites us to make time for cake and laughter.
It was a full week—two new Bible study lessons to prep, an out of town conference, a new dryer being delivered after the old one quit working, lunch meetings, school assignments, emails, homework, soccer games…and it was just Wednesday!
As we were leaving church, I pulled into the grocery store for some last minute items and by the time everyone got home and settled it was almost 10 p.m. Jared’s mom and dad were in town for the night to celebrate his mother’s birthday.
So, there we were, past everyone’s bedtime, gathered around the kitchen counter with the best we could find on our late night food run; two small cakes and ice cream.
We sang Happy Birthday, dived into the cake, then spent the next hour laughing and telling stories. It was time not marked on the calendar, not scheduled or planned. But it was time well spent and much needed. We didn’t need the calories or to be up even later…but we did need the time to unwind, be present with each other, to remember, to celebrate, and to enjoy the simple things in life.
At the end of the day it was a good reminder that there is always time to pause for cake and laughter! I pray that each of us will find time to enjoy the sweet moments of family, friends, and laughter this week.