AND THAT'S THE GOSPEL TRUTH

Well, my Daddy used to say about my Mama, "She never spoils a good story with the truth." Which is why I'm feeling caught between some good stories and the truth. Trying to sift through what I've read, heard or experienced about who our family was and is.

Over the years families gather and tell stories. We all have our stash of family lore and jokes. And like Chaz, my niece Sarah's fiance said two days ago, "Much of life is made up of good times or good stories." We all know when we've had a good time. While the good story may need some pondering and a teachable attitude.

So, recently, when Amit, family friend and psychiatrist, asked me to define "hard," I paused. His question came in response to the fact that I said the trip to Norway was wonderful, amazing and hard. And I'm still reflecting on all those aspects. Although it was mostly wonderful and amazing.

Well, the hard part, as in challenging, is filling in the blanks from a sometimes romanticized view of my family's history to what is truth. And, the truth is, what do we really know about layered reasons behind choices made way back then or even now? Life's complicated, and so are we.

For example, three of my grandchildren, Maggie, Poco and Basil, are the ages when my great, great grandmother, Amelia, great grandmother, Bertilda, and grandmother, Ella, married, had a child, or made other hard choices. Or had decisions made for or by them that led each, at different times and alone, to sail to the land of fresh starts. The USA. Current conditions cause me to wonder if they would have come here today or gone to Canada, instead? Or found a way to stay in Norway.

So, the more Heather researches geneology through Ancestry.com or other sources, the more we fill in some blanks. But motives, fears, urges, dreams and hopes aren't simple statistics on a graph or family tree. So I pause to imagine. Then, end up contenting myself with mystery and blank spaces. It's not a cop out, but the truth. Life has some limitations as to what's knowable, whether back then or now.

Meanwhile, the truth is life goes on, until it doesn't for each of us. And we each have just so much time. Which reminds us that the work we do and how we live matters, as well as our families and friendships. And where we place our faith and trust makes a big difference in how we live and what work we do with our hands, hearts and minds. So, dare to: LIVE LOVE LAUGH!

Well, for our family, there's nothing like mealtimes or playing games together to get us laughing, which helps to heal and sometimes turn something or some one into a good story. Thankfully, the places we rented in Norway had great kitchens and large dining tables, which seated twelve easily. This one didn't have a view from the dining area but we loved staying at this farmhouse in Andalsnes. Others came with grand vistas to enjoy, while eating, talking or playing games.

And if you need a laugh today, try these. Yes, they came from my sister-in-love, Chris:

"What's the difference between a northern fairy tale and a southern fairy tale? A northern fairy tale begins, 'Once upon a time...' A Southern fairy tale begins with, 'Y'all ain't gonna believe this s...'

Or, "I love board games. My favorite is where people put meat and cheese on a board. Then add some fruit and crackers. I'm excellent at that one."

And this one, "Celery: When you have that sudden urge to bite into water with hair in it."

Finally, for those of you who love any excuse to read, "Thank goodness my book finally arrived. I almost started cleaning the house."

So who are we really?; Who am I? You? God only knows all. But we have some clues. So, in the meantime, it's wise to keep discovering all we can about ourselves, each other and this world in which we live. And to be kind, as well as patient with ourselves and others. We all have back stories, and need reminders that mercy, hope and grace usually show up when we least deserve or expect them. For sure, it's true that any one of these gifts from God can turn a tough time into a good story.

And remember, no matter your age, that Life is short. So err on the side of mercy, forgiveness, generosity and gratitude. Each and all matter. And so do you.

And that's the Gospel truth.