My hope in this series on Ritual of R.E.S.T. (Renewing Energy in Spirit Time) is to provide practical, realistic ways to create space in our lives for rest, renewal, and rejuvenation.  A few days ago, I shared about my morning ritual of prayer and coffee.  While prayer is key to our faith lives and to building our relationship with God, I do believe there are other necessary ways for us to rest, especially as a family.

One of the simplest ways of creating a moment of R.E.S.T. is starting a very simple, easy ritual in which all members of the family can participate and in which there is meaning.  These simple rituals end up serving as touchstones for the week, and they mark a change to a slower pace.

A simple one in our house began a couple of years ago when Chris decided he wanted pancakes for breakfast.  Both Chris and I have fond memories of our parents pulling out the griddle and making pancakes.  It was always special to both of us.  One of the first times I met Chris’ dad, he made these amazing blueberry pancakes with blueberries fresh off their tree.

Chris decided one Saturday morning that we were going to have pancakes.  Brady was old enough to help, and he stood next to Chris as they mixed the batter, poured it on the griddle, and flipped the pancakes.  They were delicious!  The next Saturday, Chris made them again.  Without realizing it, the ritual of “Pancake Saturday” began in our house!

Now, every Saturday is “Pancake Saturday”.  The four of us look forward to Chris’ creations.  His repertoire of pancakes continues to expand– blueberry, chocolate chip, gingerbread, apple cinnamon, pumpkin, cinnamon roll, strawberry, or my favorite “death by chocolate”.  His tools and designs  improve also with the help of a Pancake pen and pancake molds.

We look forward to “Pancake Saturday”, and we start many days prior to Saturday lobbying Chris to choose our favorite flavor.  He always grins and says, “You’ll have to wait and see!”  This ritual is sacred to us.  We all know that “Pancake Saturday” means that we get to enjoy a slower pace in the morning and that we can linger longer at breakfast.  This rituals helps us transition into a slower pace and allow time for Renewing Energy in Spirit Time.

What simple ritual can you create for your family that is a Ritual of R.E.S.T.?

Becky Eldredge

Becky is an Ignatian-trained spiritual director, retreat facilitator, and writer. She is the author of the Busy Lives and Restless Souls (March 2017, Loyola Press) and The Inner Chapel (April 2020, Loyola Press). She helps others create space to connect faith and everyday life through facilitating retreats and days of reflection, through writing, and through spiritual direction. With nearly twenty years of ministry experience within the Catholic Church, Becky seeks to help others discover God at work in the every day moments of people’s lives by utilizing St. Ignatius’ Spiritual Exercises and the many gifts that our Catholic faith and Ignatian Spirituality provide.