As my children were growing up, we had a bit of a tradition. On Saturdays, I would often make a big breakfast. These breakfasts would usually consist of pancakes or waffles, or sometimes, French Toast. Always something different from what we had during the week. But, since my children are grown, I have few opportunities to make breakfast for them anymore. But I do sometimes have the chance to make these breakfasts for my grandchildren.
When I make breakfast, my grandchildren often want to help. Of course, if you have ever made anything with small children, you know that letting them help doesn’t make things easier. At two and four years old, their “helping” turns a relatively simple task, like making pancakes, into an adventure.
Naturally, they sit on the counter next to me so they can reach everything. This, of course, requires vigilance just to be sure they don’t fall. I stand in front of one and one hand is always ready to catch the other should either of them slip. Then, we begin to mix the ingredients. How much Bisquick will actually make it into the bowl? And eggs? Let’s just, say, I prefer my pancakes without eggshells, but there is definitely no guarantee of that.
Once the mix is complete, we move to cooking. Again, constant vigilance is required. Two small children and a stove don’t go together without supervision. We pour batter on the griddle. Some, well, a lot, doesn’t quite make it. Batter is on the counter and on the stove, making cleanup more difficult later. Still, we’re nearly finished.
We watch as the pancakes begin to bubble. We continue watching as each bubble pops. This is how we know it’s time to turn them over, I explain. The pancakes are finished and plated. Voila! Breakfast is ready.
We often cook with, or do projects with, our children or grandchildren, our nieces, and nephews, or even younger siblings. I know most of us have experienced this kind of thing. But why? Why do we do it? Why do we go through the trouble? It isn’t because it makes things easier for us. We don’t need their help. It’s for them, isn’t it? We do it so they can learn. We do it so we can enjoy the time together. And, while they may not realize it, it is a privilege for them. Most of all, it’s because we love them.
When I think about these experiences with my grandchildren, and my children before them, I realize that our Father in heaven treats us in much the same way. He gives us the privilege of participating in His plan to bring the world back to Him. When we, as individuals, have returned to Him and recognize Him as our Lord, Savior, and Father, we get to participate in His grand plan to reunite others to Him. Not only that, He gives us just what we need to participate with Him.
Paul writes, “I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service” (1 Tim 1:12). Have you thought about that? Have you thought about how it applies to you? Of course, Paul had a specific calling, but God calls us to His service as well. What a privilege! And He considers us “trustworthy” for the task.
It isn’t as if God needs our help. Paul preaches to men in Athens saying, “The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands. And He is not served by human hands, as if He needed anything. Rather, He himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else” (Act 17:24-25). I’ll repeat: “He is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything.” God has given us the privilege of serving Him. Not because He needs us but because He loves us.
This privilege of serving Him, in fact, is what we were created to do. It is our purpose. “…We are God’s handiwork,” the Bible teaches, “created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Eph 2:10). That is amazing to me! God does not need my help, but He gives me the privilege of serving Him. More than that, it is exactly what He created me for.
God is “making pancakes” with us, so to speak. Not because He needs us. No. He does it for us. For our benefit. So that we can learn. He does it so we can enjoy the time together. Growing closer to Him. And, while we may not always realize it, it is a privilege for us. Most of all, God does it because He loves us.
How wonderful it is to serve our awesome God!
Written by Dave Foucar
This is an updated edition of a post originally published on Christian Grandfather Magazine
Featured Image by Touka hogimoto from Pixabay
