Fifteen years ago, Dave and I purchased twelve acres of woods. Trails through the woods were maintained for four-wheel or snowmobile riding; a sledding hill offered the thrill of winter fun; a 14 x 20 cabin offered warmth and shelter from the cold, snowy adventures. All of this was the dream and work of the previous owner.

A year later, we cleared some of the trees to make room for our house and kept the trails open even though we didn’t use to ride ATV’s. We also maintained the sledding hill to always be ready for snow and sleds!

The cabin has been more challenging. We talked often about maintenance. We met with carpenters to discuss renovation. The squirrels used the cabinets for winter nesting. We don’t like sharing with squirrels. Much to my dismay, there was also an infestation of carpenter ants, requiring professional treatment. It was at this time that we had a reality check. We needed to amp up care for the cabin or it would deteriorate beyond usefulness.

About a year ago, I learned of a local gentleman who not only builds cabins, but restores old ones! I felt like I had hit the jackpot! His enthusiasm for restoration and his ability to see possibility inspired us. After several consultations and private conversations, we decided to go for it! The restoration work begins sometime in the spring of 2021.

Why am I sharing this? My vision for the cabin has always been to be a place of safety from the chaos of life. I don’t know yet what that means, but I know I want it to be a refuge. It might be a weekend away for frazzled parents, a place of refreshment for a worn out pastor, a silent retreat for a seeking pilgrim, a safe haven for battered travelers. Maybe it is a stopping place for you along your journey. Whoever stays there, I am sure of this one thing: there is refuge from the chaos of life.

Psalm 91 is an inspiration passage for me. It is an invitation to find refuge and safety in the shelter of the Most High!

¹Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. ²This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him.

Psalm 91:1-2

Too often I take that invitation for granted. Rather, I attempt to put up with the chaos, find a way through the busyness of life, excuse my frazzled, stressed out existence as the successful way. Recently, I began a journey to redefine success. One of the descriptive terms that came to me in this quest is safe harbor. I want to not only be, but provide a place of safe harbor for others — whether through my writing or a stay in the cabin.

You can follow our progress through this blog and eventually through a website dedicated to the cabin. Maybe one day you will find yourself relaxing on the porch in one of these rockers or snuggling down in the loft bedroom!