Unless it’s VGS (vacation, grandkids here, or a special event) her is my idea of a perfect ordinary Saturday.

It begins with a good night’s sleep the night before. I get to wake up naturally, when my body says it’s time, not my alarm or Pete meowing at the window to come in. I begin to sense my mind coming up out of the restful sleep, like gliding to the surface of the water after you’ve been swimming under. My body joins in the process, eyes fluttering open and adjusting to the early morning light. I can hear my birds’ wake up songs, happy that I’ve filled their bath and feeder. Praying my thanks to God comes as naturally as breathing in these moments, and I release my prayers to Him, bathed in blessings, grateful that I’ve been given the gift of another day, marveling at the possibilities. The unplanned day stretches out before me like a piece of elegant ivory stationery just waiting to be written upon.

Next I slide my feet over the edge of my bed and pad to the bathroom, where I am delighted to find that my plumbing – both personal and residential – is in excellent working order. We are both old and this is no small thing. Depending on how long I’ve stretched and reflected I may go back to bed to read a bit or talk to my husband about what we should do that day. Or I can get up and make coffee and a light breakfast. And now that my husband gave me a fully, extravagantly loaded Starbucks Gift Card I can drive a few minutes and have my favorite expensive coffee drink.

The rest of the day will include leisurely watering the plants and refilling the birdbath and feeder – not the quick work-day splash I usually manage to do before running out the door to work. I consider rearranging some toys in the grandkids room shelves, and whether I want to change out any furniture. I do organizing – that edge of the kitchen table that always collects mail, recipes to try, letters to answer, sermon notes to type, or items to place elsewhere. There is satisfaction in bringing order to this small corner of my life.

Lunch – if I want it, when I want it.

Definitely an afternoon nap. Definitely. Perhaps followed by too much of a favorite snack – maybe chips and hot sauce with slices of cheddar cheese, or popcorn with white cheddar topping.

At night I enjoy a good movie with my main man – action or thriller if he picks, drama or family or romantic comedy if I do. I must confess his movie-picker is usually much better than mine.

And if it’s a really perfect Saturday, it’ll include a sleepover with Liam. Getting to have that sweet little guy to join us for supper – he loves Grandpa’s cooking, as all the grands do – then splash in the bath, bedtime story, and hugs, kisses and sweet goodnights with that sweet smelling baby before church in the morning.

Perfectly ordinary. Perfectly wonderful.