Stayed upon Jehovah, hearts are fully blest.
Finding, as He promised, perfect peace and rest.
-Francis Havergal
The days are getting shorter and colder here in Wexford, and I seem to have come down with a bit of a cold. But despite this, my heart is warm as I look forward to one of the most anticipated moments of my life to date: the first Skiff brother wedding.
To be married on Saturday, 16 November 2019.
I often speak fondly of my experience growing up with seven brothers. Even here in Ireland at tea with the ladies, one of my favorite things to talk about is my siblings and all the adventures we had growing up, and how we must have driven mom crazy even though she always insisted she was glad she had boys. But to say that I look back on these memories with mere fondness is an understatement. I am who I am today because of the fine young men I call my brothers, and memories with each of them are with me wherever I go and whatever I do.
Our adventures together began in Sparta, Wisconsin; well, the ones I remember at least. Most of what we did back then was climb trees, build forts, and have battles with sticks. One of our more impressive endeavors was a system of trenches we made in the backyard using shovels and old boards. We could actually disappear into holes in the ground if we wanted to! The good ol’ days.
Fast forward ten to fifteen years and the wedding is in six days. I mean, I’ve known for some time that Isaac was going to be tying the knot, but it still hasn’t quite settled in that one of the Skiff boys is getting married. We have been on so many adventures together, and I am certain that if marriage is anything like it’s made out to be, Isaac is in for quite a few more with his new bride. I certainly am having my own adventures here at Clonard Parish, and am beyond excited to see my family this coming week and share with them the numerous stories from Ireland that I’ve been saving up for them. This wedding, if nothing else, is the much anticipated next adventure I will see with my beloved brothers.
In addition to seeing my brothers for the wedding, there are two other people I am incredibly anxious and excited to see again.
When I think of what the future holds for Isaac and Tori, and what the future might hold for me and my future spouse, I cannot do so without considering the love between my mom and dad. They have taught me through their words, but more so through their example, how to love well. They have always endeavored to heed the wisdom of Proverbs 22, verse 6: “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not turn from it.” To these two, thank you for teaching all of your children the meaning of loving another human being well, and showing the means by which this activity is accomplished.
And so in closing, I have many people to thank and greet. To the House of Brigid community in Ireland: thank you for graciously permitting me the time off this week for me to be a part of this special moment in my family’s history. To my brothers: I am excited to see you very soon and make more memories this weekend. To mom and dad: thank you for who I am.
To Isaac: treat your wife well; keep the faith. The following reflection is one that Grandpa Skiff shared with me before coming to Ireland, and I hope that it can be a reminder that God is your peace through the adventures ahead. Keep smiling, little brother.
LIKE A RIVER GLORIOUS
Frances Havergal
Like a river glorious is God's perfect peace,
Over all victorious in its bright increase;
Perfect yet it floweth fuller every day,
Perfect yet it groweth deeper all the way.
Hidden in the hollow of His blessed hand,
Never foe can follow, never traitor stand;
Not a surge of worry, not a shade of care,
Not a blast of hurry touch the spirit there.
Every joy or trial falleth from above.
Traced upon our dial by the Sun of Love.
We may trust Him fully all for us to do;
Those who trust Him wholly find Him wholly true.
Stayed upon Jehovah, hearts are fully blest;
Finding, as He promised, perfect peace and rest.
