A Saturday Life

By Lynn Ludwick

Given the time of night, sleep seemed a reasonable option, but I kicked off my shoes and dropped on the couch instead. I needed to process the day. Besides, an early evening latté still propped my eyes wide. Unlike the simple, predictable Saturdays of my childhood—chores then play—today had been anything but predictable. My calendar had prepared me for a plateful of varied activities, but not for their emotional impact.

Early on a friend phoned and urged me to get unstuck in my writing. Sandy and I talked about our current projects, and in an aha-moment, I stumbled on the elusive inner motivation of one of her characters. Our conversation ended with thanks for mutual help and encouragement. “A man finds joy in giving an apt reply—and how good is a timely word!” Proverbs 15:23

A bit later my daughter Tanya arrived. We loaded Renee in the stroller and told eight-year old Jay to watch for cars, then we hurried to join the curbside throngs at the Pear Blossom Parade. In the absence of the usual rain, we donned hats and slathered on sunscreen. Jay didn’t say much, but Renee pointed, clapped and offered an unintelligible toddler commentary on the noisy, colorful scene before her.

I hastened away before the last float passed by, changed clothes and headed to a memorial service honoring a man in his mid twenties, taken home in an instant. Shared stories from a packed church spoke of a life lived for others, but more, a life lived for his Lord. A DVD portrayed an awesome man, gone too soon. Tears and laughter filled the room, and tissue boxes dotted the rows. “Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” Matthew 22:37

Back home once more, the phone message light caught my eye. I entered my code, expecting one or two messages. Instead, “You have 23 new messages.” Oh my! A persistent telemarketer? Nope, somehow my son-in-law’s cell phone, lodged in his pocket as he poured concrete, had called me on its own. Over and over and over…

My final outing drew me downtown once more. Spellbound, Lorita and I thrilled to a loud and lively song and dance production at the Craterian Theater. With the precision of their dance moves and the pristine clarity and range of their voices, the folks on stage embodied the old saying, practice makes perfect.

Now as I lay on the couch, these events churned in my mind and heart. What a roller coaster ride—from the joy of a grandchild’s young life barely begun to the sorrow of another young life abruptly ended, from hometown talent on parade to professionalism on national tour. Time spent with family, friends and strangers.

No ordinary Saturday here, rather a microcosm of life itself—full of plans accomplished and plans run amok, shocks and surprises. The day appeared rife with randomness, until suddenly the puzzle fit together and a theme emerged. I’d participated in events that celebrated life and had engaged with people who chose to live it well.

Sandy encouraged me to get unstuck, to move forward with my God-given talents. Little Jay and Renee echoed their enthusiasm for life merely by their vibrant existence. The memorial service, though punctuated with tears and grief, promised more hope than sadness. My truckload of phone messages led me to thank God for Jason, who works hard for his family no matter how tired or achy he is. And with the evening’s entertainment I rejoiced in the talents God grants His creation.

As the lateness of the hour finally took over, I yawned and headed to bed, determined to embrace life and thank the Lord for all of it—the ups and the downs, the trials and the glories. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 In my last thoughts before drifting into a peaceful sleep, I thanked God for weaving the sorrows and celebrations of my existence into an incredible adventure. A life worth living on Saturday or any other day of the week.

“…I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you…may live and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him.” Deuteronomy 30:19-20

Lynn Ludwick writes from Medford, OR. lynniegirl45@hotmail.com