What's so special about Riversong?

If you’ve followed this blog for long, you’ve probably heard me mention how much I love coming out to Riversong, my parents’ beautiful home along the River.  If you’ve followed this blog for few years you’ll also remember, however, that I did not like living here. 🙂  In my daily life I appreciate things like cell phone service, being able to go for walks and runs (narrow, windy country roads aren’t conducive to this), a 30-second drive to Safeway for fresh milk, and a 1-minute drive to Starbucks if I’m having a rough day.  I also love neighbors, and I especially love mine.

But living in the hustle bustle of busy suburbia does seem to press in on the margin of my life, until I begin longing for white space and teetering on the verge of a pang of resentment that all the squares on my calendar have words scribbled on them. It’s then that I know it’s time for Riversong.

This time, I actually wasn’t feeling over-busy or resentful, but Jeff is out of town for the week, so rather than sulk at home wishing I were also attending Catalyst West, we tossed Dutch’s muck boots and my latest parenting book in the car and ventured to our wilderness home away from home.

So what’s so special about this place?

First off, there’s something about a place with a name.  I’m instantly transported to a Rosamunde Pilcher novel.  When I turn off the main road, down the steep gravel drive, then right between the old crumbling concrete pillars and by the wooden Riversong sign, I feel my shoulders begin to relax.  This time, all the apple blossoms are exquisite white bursts against the cold, bare, wintery branches.  The river is still dark and rushing.  The first spots of green poke through the dark, moist dirt in the garden.

Secondly, you can’t see another house.  The horses next door, an occasional deer, and the osprey nesting across the river are the only visitors, unless Tony the neighbor down the road decides to drop off some of his fresh Mahi Mahi he’s caught on one of his Mexico fishing expeditions.  No complaints there!

Third, it’s a good thing I don’t stay here for long, because you can count on my parents to have the pantry stocked.  This trip it’s the doublestuff Oreos, fresh strawberry shortcake, and baked mac ‘n cheese.

Afternoons throwing rocks in the river, evenings in the hot tub, sipping tea in the light of early morning, watching the river outside the front room window, sitting at the dining room table talking to Mom, unaware of hours slipping by.

And I think that’s really it.  Riversong is magical because of who my parents are. They make Riversong a place of restoration, healing, calm, beauty.  They take you as you are, fuss over nothing, revel in the joy of being able to serve others with the home God has given them.  I guess that’s what makes it so special out here–the spirit of joy and calm and rest.  Whatever it is, I’m thankful I’m here for now.