The Salisbury Family and the Great Sabbath Adventure

Disclaimer: This story is a work of fiction created to share a meaningful lesson.

In the peaceful town of Maple Haven, Michigan, lived the Salisbury family. They were a lively household who, despite their differences in background, shared a deep love for one another and a firm commitment to honoring the Sabbath. Zech, the father, was a cheerful and humorous American with a penchant for nicknames. He affectionately called his wife, Menchie, “Baby Love,” a term that always made her smile. Menchie, a warm and resourceful Filipina, kept their home running smoothly while instilling values of faith and kindness in their family. Their three-year-old daughter, Abigail, was a whirlwind of energy and curiosity, constantly clutching her beloved stuffed bunny, Mr. Fluffy.

Every Friday, the Salisbury's prepared for the Sabbath, ensuring everything was ready before the sun dipped below the horizon. For them, the Sabbath was a sacred time to rest, worship, and spend time together.

The Friday Hustle

On a particular Friday, the Salisbury home was buzzing with activity. Menchie was busy preparing her signature Filipino spring rolls for the church potluck. Abigail was in the living room, lining up her toy animals in what she proudly called “Sabbath Parade.”

“Baby Love, where’s my shirt?” Zech called from the bedroom.

“In the closet, Zech! Did you check properly?” Menchie replied, her hands busy rolling dough.

“I checked, but the closet seems to have swallowed it,” Zech said dramatically as he appeared in the kitchen, looking perplexed.

Menchie laughed, handing him the shirt she had already ironed. “Here. Try not to lose this one, okay?”

Zech grinned. “You’re the best, Baby Love.”

As the sun began to dip lower in the sky, Menchie checked the clock. “Alright, team, it’s crunch time! Let’s make sure we’re ready before sundown.”

“On it!” Zech said, grabbing Abigail’s bag and packing her snacks, crayons, and Mr. Fluffy. Abigail watched him carefully.

“Daddy, don’t forget Mr. Fluffy’s blanket!” she reminded him.

“Got it, little boss!” Zech replied with a salute, tucking the blanket into the bag.

Sabbath Begins

As the first hints of twilight appeared, the family gathered in the living room to welcome the Sabbath. Menchie lit a candle, and they sang a hymn together. Abigail’s tiny voice joined in enthusiastically, though a few words were hilariously improvised.

After their prayer, Menchie looked at the neatly packed bag, the clean house, and the prepared meals. She smiled, feeling a sense of peace. “We did it. We’re ready for Sabbath.”

Zech leaned over and kissed her on the cheek. “Teamwork, Baby Love. Teamwork.”

A Sabbath Morning Adventure

Saturday morning began with Abigail waking up first, as usual. She darted into her parents’ room, holding Mr. Fluffy. “Mommy! Daddy! Time for church!”

Zech groaned playfully. “Isn’t it still the middle of the night?”

“It’s morning, Daddy!” Abigail insisted, tugging on his arm.

Menchie chuckled. “She’s right, Zech. Let’s get up and get moving.”

The family dressed in their Sabbath best, with Abigail proudly wearing her pink dress and sparkly shoes. Zech tied his tie with dramatic flair. “How do I look, Baby Love?”

“Like you’re ready to preach,” Menchie teased, straightening his collar.

Sabbath School and Surprises

At church, they were greeted warmly by their church family. Mishelle, Menchie’s sister, was setting up for Sabbath School. Her husband, Pastor Larry, was welcoming members with his usual cheerful demeanor.

“Baby Love! Mishelle needs my help with the kids’ crafts,” Menchie said, spotting her sister.

“Go ahead, Baby Love. Abigail and I will check out the storybooks,” Zech said, holding Abigail’s hand.

During the craft activity, Abigail managed to spill glitter all over Mr. Fluffy. “Mommy, look! Mr. Fluffy is shiny now!” she exclaimed, holding up her sparkling bunny.

Mishelle laughed. “I think Mr. Fluffy might need a bath after this.”

The Potluck and a Lesson in Patience

After the service, everyone gathered for the potluck. Menchie’s spring rolls were an instant hit, disappearing almost as quickly as they arrived at the table.

As the family sat down to eat, Zech attempted to serve himself some fruit salad, only to have it slide off his plate. Abigail giggled. “Daddy, it’s okay. You can try again!”

“That’s the spirit, little one,” Zech said, attempting again and succeeding this time. “Third time’s the charm.”

Pastor Larry walked over, teasing, “Zech, need a tutorial on how to handle fruit salad?”

“Very funny, Larry,” Zech replied. “But hey, at least I didn’t drop the spring rolls!”

A Quiet Sabbath Evening

As the sun set on the Sabbath, the family returned home, tired but happy. Abigail snuggled on the couch with Mr. Fluffy, still sparkling from the glitter mishap.

“Today was wonderful,” Menchie said. “Even with all the little bumps, we kept the Sabbath holy and enjoyed it as a family.”

Zech nodded. “That’s what matters, Baby Love. It’s not about perfection but about honoring God and being together.”

Abigail chimed in, “And Mr. Fluffy says he likes Sabbath too!”

The Moral of the Story

The Salisbury family’s day wasn’t perfect, but their effort to honor the Sabbath and support one another made it meaningful. They learned that preparing ahead, staying calm, and enjoying the moment brought peace and joy to their family.

As Menchie tucked Abigail into bed, she shared a verse from the Bible:

“If you turn away your foot from the Sabbath, from doing your pleasure on My holy day, and call the Sabbath a delight, the holy day of the Lord honorable, and shall honor Him… then you shall delight yourself in the Lord.” - Isaiah 58:13-14

With a prayer of gratitude, the Salisbury's ended their day, ready to face a new week with faith, love, and laughter.