Elv and I each spent the weekend to our individual liking. I went to a family gathering with cousins and aunts and uncles while he went to the cabin to begin opening it for summer visits. This method of being at two places at once was mutually satisfying.
I love reconnecting with my people. Age and experience are wonderful for relationships, especially when Jesus is part of our lives. We were hosted by Laura and her husband at Frienedswald, and treated to lots of fellowship, hot coffee, a continuous campfire, and the most unique property built by the host himself.
One of the things I love about a Skrivseth gathering is that food is so not the main thing. Visiting is. Bob and Laura are perfect hosts, let me assure you, nobody misses the fancy food.
Yes, the visiting. I felt a little scared because I’d missed too many of these parties the last couple years. But I determined to not waste a moment once we arrived there. I meant to see how my cousins are doing. I came to hear their stories and their perspectives on our shared past. You simply can’t get it all talked over and small talk will not do.
Story is so important. The old family events like barn fires, miracles, or conversion experiences still impact us today. To finally have an explanation for habits or behaviors that were annoying or happy. To hear about Grandpa’s conversion told by a different Auntie than last time I heard it.
Best of all that we have prayer and song and the love of Jesus for our strength. Our Sunday morning gathering was not enough time to do all the praising and sharing and praying for the special needs among us. But we tried.
Meanwhile, Elv found the cabin in its own good shape. He filled the water tanks and lit the refrigerator and the water heater. He found the hole in the lane, as advised, where the culvert is caving in but could straddle it and drive right up to the cabin. He says a few rocks will suffice to mend it. Eventually, as he fills the failing culvert area with rocks this will become a ford instead. The spruce trees that the bugs have killed are blowing over naturally in the weather, so that we have no shortage of firewood.
Honestly, this little old cottage fireplace at home is the nicest place to end up after a busy weekend. We both came home in the early evening with time to tell each other all the things.
Stone House Scribblings 