The 6'4" Energizer Bunny

This past weekend, we had the fortune of having my parents stay with us for a couple of days. The children were excited upon learning that their Lolo and Lola were coming to visit. A few days before, Dan and I recapped the goings-on for the weekend in anticipation of their arrival. It was bound to be a very busy, but fun-filled weekend. Danielle and Joseph had piano lessons Friday evening. Later that night, after dinner, Danielle needed to finish reviewing for a high school entrance exam on Saturday morning that lasted 3 hours. There were 300 questions! On Saturday evening, Joseph had basketball practice; and on Sunday at noon, Joseph had a basketball game. Then there were the usual tasks like house chores, making sure piano practice and homework assignments were completed, and ensuring the overall care and safety of the children (no small detail). Dan had already planned the menu, but we still needed to shop for groceries and prepare their room. We had a wonderful weekend sharing stories, laughing, and eating together. But what impressed me the most was the manner in which Dan facilitated the entire weekend with deliberate planning, gracious hospitality, and selfless conduct. Saturday began with Dan preparing breakfast while Danielle and I readied ourselves to leave for the high school entrance exam that morning. Upon my return, it was a welcomed sight to see that Joseph and Mary already breakfasted, the kitchen sink was clean, and dishes were in the dishwasher. Dan then proceeded to work outside washing the car and doing a bit of yard work. When I had to leave to pick up Danielle, Dan fed the kids lunch and put Mary down for a nap. In the meantime, Danielle and I decided to do some brisk walking exercises at Valley Fair Mall to celebrate the completion of her test. We arrived home late afternoon, shortly before my parents’ scheduled arrival. Then it was Dan’s turn to shop – at Lucky Supermarket! As soon as he returned, Dan immediately set about preparing our dinner and setting the table. He worked at a frantic pace, all too aware of the advancing hour. He chopped, he mixed, he grated, he seasoned, he diced and sliced, using fresh ingredients like extra lean meat, cheeses, spinach, lettuce, tomato, and whole grain tortillas. While the meat was on simmer, he took a break only to take Joseph to basketball practice then returned expeditiously to finish what he had started. The end result was a mouth-watering and delicious taco and burrito bar, served buffet style. Everyone, including my sister and her husband who came to join us, enjoyed a truly satisfying and nutritious meal. Shortly thereafter, Dan had to leave once more to pick up Joseph from basketball practice. He returned just in time for dessert then proceeded to clean up in the kitchen. He first had to unload the dishwasher of clean dishes before loading the used dishes. Meanwhile, the children played and the adults sat around the table engaging in post-mealtime conversation. Just when I thought he was done for the night, Dan helped Joseph and Mary get ready for bed then tucked them in with a good book. That night, we both slept very little due to Mary’s crying spells every hour, or so it seemed. She complained of a tummy ache, regurgitated a few times the next morning, and had a sickly stomach for the whole of Sunday. Sleep deprived though we were, one wouldn’t know it by the way Dan bounced out of bed, showered, and proceeded to set the table and prepare our breakfast. This time, he prepared a succulent dish of chilli relleno, chilli peppers stuffed with cheese and baked in an egg mixture. Served with a side of hash browns and a cup of freshly brewed coffee, it was a delectable way to start the day. What made it even more special was that Dan served each of us at the table. Not long after breakfast, my parents packed up to leave, and Dan started to clean up the breakfast mess. He stopped briefly to walk them outside and carry their baggage. Once the kitchen was in order, Dan took Joseph to the basketball game while Danielle and I stayed behind with Mary who was still experiencing some discomfort. After the game, Dan had a quick bite to eat then he was off to work on his mother’s yard! It was nearly dinner time when he returned a few hours later. Moments after walking through the door, Dan set the table and started with dinner preparations. We ate, we talked, we joked, we cleaned up, then we retired for the night. Whew! What a weekend it was.

Dan bested himself by being the 6’4” energizer bunny; but more significantly, he was the star that shone brightly with the love of Jesus. And to reiterate a bible verse from The Schneider Web:

2 Corinthians 9:7 reads: So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity, not reluctantly or under compulsion; for God loves a cheerful giver.