November 13 – “Boling”

Today was barbeque day.  To start out, Seaside Christian Academy had a fundraiser barbeque to raise money primarily for school t-shirts.  Sounded like they did pretty well, too.  I can't wait to sport my Seaside Sharks shirt.     As soon as we finished eating we packed up the car and headed for a place outside if Bay City called Boling, Texas.  Chris has some aunts and cousins who live there.  Today they were having a smaller version of their usual family reunion.  It was originally scheduled to be several weeks ago, but Chris's Mom's funeral took precedence at the time, so they postponed it.  As it turned out, today would have been Chris's Mom's birthday, so she was remembered once again.     This family is a big one.  I don't remember how many cousins Chris said she has, but it's a lot.  She had something like seven or eight aunts and uncles alone, and they all had pretty big families, too.  And they enjoy getting together.  There are usually piles of food and children playing everywhere and games of horseshoes and circles of chairs and lots of laughing.  Today was no different, only not as many were able to attend.  I'm finally getting to where I can recognize and remember a few of them.  It wasn't fair, really.  They all knew each other already, so I was at a huge disadvantage.  It'll take quite a few more introductions, I suppose, before I can hold my own with them.     The food was outstanding.  Everyone who heard it got a kick out of what one of the aunts said as they brought out the food.  "Did you figure out what to do with that ham?"  And the answer was perfect, "Well, what else are you going to do with it?  Let's eat."  I enjoyed the peach cobbler for dessert.  I heard one guy say his son made it, but he didn't want anyone to know.  That's an old school family.  Cooking is women's work to them.  Poor guy.  No wonder he wasn't around when that announcement was made.     We had to leave after a few hours, and more cousins were just arriving.  They were already making plans for the next big shindig.  That one won't be at someone's home, though.  Too many people.  They are looking into the Boling Community Center for the first weekend in August.  Must be a big place.  I did hear that it's air conditioned.  That would be a plus.     Galatians 6:9-10 says, "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers."   Father, I can't wait for our family reunion with you.  Use us to do whatever you want us to do while we're here, but it'll be good get home.  Amen.