We've been camping in our house for a few weeks now. Moved back in, set up a bed in what used to be the dining room, unpacked the bare essentials and proceeded to knock out the first walls in what we are calling phase one of the whole-house renovation. Unpacked boxes stacked floor to ceiling in about half of the converted garage - renovated into what we lovingly call man-land many years ago. It's a pattern with us. This renovation thing. In a gesture of great hope, we put up another bed in there - and left space for the pack and play and a twin sized blow-up-mattress. Just in case one of the boys would dare brave the construction mess and come for a visit. Last week, one dared - with his dear wife and two little girls. And it was a gift.
It was spur-of-the-moment and we scrambled, joy-fueled, to locate clean sheets and the bin with the toys. Rugs purchased in advance of new floors unfurled over the old and were soon littered with books and blocks, small light up tennis shoes and even smaller white Keds, and eventually the empty Christmas tree box tipped over to serve as a fort. There were visits to the park and the beach, impromptu wheel-barrow rides and a trip downtown for the lighting of the Christmas tree at Market and Water. We watched Christmas movies and football and I have memorized the theme song to Netflix Spirit Riding Free. There were runny noses, a couple of teary tantrums and a few loads of laundry. A day-trip back to Raleigh for Thanksgiving - Mama's heart full at the unexpected treasure of being together again so soon.
We paid hometown homage to some favorite restaurants - Philly Deli, Jackson's Big Oak Barbecue, Chick-fil-A and Krispy Kreme (the "Hot Doughnuts" sign was on - you have to stop - it's a rule.) A fancy spot downtown just because there was no wait. Some sandwiches and a pot of chili at the house. Located the Kitchen Aid and made the ugliest cake I have ever seen. Roasted a turkey breast, whipped up some potatoes, threw together a green bean casserole and attempted Beatrice's dressing - again. Close, but not quite. But the biscuits. My boy makes biscuits. With only rudimentary supplies, he makes biscuits. Without. A. Recipe.
And just like that, the house is home again. Construction is still underway with more to come. Boxes are still stacked high and there are only a few dishes in the cabinets. But it doesn't feel so much like camping anymore. Because love came for a visit. And it was a gift.
The Advent season is nearly upon us. Intentional remembrance of the time Love came for a visit. And stayed. Even though it was a mess. And it is a Gift. Selah.
The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest... For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9 (selected)
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