When I was a young girl I looked forward each summer to the visit of my aunt who worked in a city some distance away. It seemed to me that she came from another world, so far removed was her talk of skyscrapers, concerts, and elevated trains from my little world of barns, silos, and pastures. The thing I remember most is the anticipation of meeting her at the depot. My family and I always went early so that we could savor the thrilling moment of her arrival. We would walk up and down the platform, watching the big clock in the station and listening for the first toot of the whistle that heralded the coming engine. Then with what joy we watched it roar past the platform as we searched the windows of the passenger cars rushing by, and looked for that one familiar smiling face. Soon we would see her alight, suitcase and umbrella in hand, and we would run eagerly into her arms. The moment was so delightful that I can still feel the thrill of it after more than fifty years have passed.
Similar anticipation should accompany our preparation for the Sabbath. We are privileged to have as our guest none other than the great Ruler of the universe. No matter how humble the home or the per son, our great God has promised to meet with us during the hours of the Sabbath. What a fellowship!
And this fellowship can be ours any where. Preferably, of course, we should be in our homes, but sometimes we are away in a lonely hotel room, or we are camping with our family in some lovely nature spot, maybe visiting with relatives, or we are in a tent at camp meeting. Wherever the place, we can find that secluded spot to joyfully greet our honored Guest and welcome His arrival.
Is Sabbath-keeping deteriorating in Adventist homes as the rush and pressures of living increase? Is the glow and joy of Sabbath-keeping diminishing even in the minister's home through the hurry and bustle of the day? We need to be reminded that the members will often observe the Sabbath just as joyfully and sacredly as they see the pastor's family observe it—or just as carelessly.
How often have you planned something extra for Friday, saying, "I can still get ready for Sabbath; there isn't much to do, and no one will ever see." Or you actually leave a few small jobs for the Sabbath, like pressing a dress, folding the clothes from the last dryer load, or giving baths. You will leave more undone the next Friday, for Satan wants it that way. It is his purpose that you forget to "remember," and once you have slipped, there can come a down-hill slide all the way. He doesn't mind that you teach the truth of the seventh-day Sabbath to others, just so you aren't too particular how you keep the day yourself.
Let us take a resolute look at our preparation for and our observance of the Sabbath, and if necessary, start taking those steps back up the hill to meet our Saviour at the top. He waits each week to give us unlimited blessings during each of those twenty-four precious hours.
Our children need to hear us talk often about the Sabbath during the week days. "There now, your dress is all ready for Sabbath; we'll hang it in the closet." "That's a good book to read together; remind me and I'll read it to you Sabbath afternoon." We must lead them to look forward to the Sabbath hours with special joy. They should have certain tasks to perform in helping to get ready, then they will feel this anticipation all through the week, and be willing to cooperate. Children will be hindrances or helpers—reflectors of our own attitude.
Simplicity is the key for meal planning. Good conversation, consideration and love expressed at mealtime make any good food seem even better.
Big jobs like washing, marketing, or bread baking should be completed before the preparation day. However, even too many accumulated little jobs can turn the day into a hectic race, and racing with the sun can be rather fatiguing, for its pace is predetermined and there is no stretching of those last few minutes. Besides, what joy of anticipation is there when you come panting into the station just after the train has arrived?
Not only must we plan the arrival of the Sabbath, but our plans must include all of its precious hours—from the special Fri day evening worship to the long afternoons of summertime. This is a family "together" day; so whether it is church services all day for the minister's family, or guests-for-dinner-day, let us not exclude the children by our adult conversation. Plan to spend time together singing or playing instruments, playing Sabbath games, or visiting a missing or sick Sabbath school member. Invite your guests to go along on a nature walk, join in some facet of a nature hobby, or deliver the literature on your regular route. Make the Sabbath a delight, a communing on the things you and your God like to do together. Your children will soon catch this Presence in the day, and learn to anticipate His arrival the same as you do.
Preparation of heart and spirit is probably .just as important for the enjoyment of Sabbath-keeping as preparation of the house and person. And it takes all your best planning to do both!
In this troubled, busy world we have been given the Sabbath as an oasis in each week. It is a golden clasp that binds us on this earth to our Saviour in heaven. So, don't forget to "remember"!
