First Church of God

(The boys and I after a long day of skiing!)

Sunday after church and a quick lunch we took the boys for their very first skiing experience.  David and I have enjoyed snow skiing over the years, especially while we were youth pastors!  But, we have not had the opportunity to take the boys. So, we headed to Timber Ridge in Gobles, Michigan for a little family fun!  We had the best time.  The boys took a lesson when we first arrived and David and I reacquainted ourselves with the sport!  After we picked the boys up from their lesson we hit the slopes together.  Watching the boys learn something new was so exciting!  I remember the way I felt when I finally got the hang of it, and the freedom you feel as you ski down the runs for the first time.  I found myself feeling this way again watching my boys learn and enjoy something that I have grown to love over the years! 

As I reflect back on yesterday I was wondering what it is about skiing that makes me feel so refreshed?  Why is it that I find myself already wanting to go back?  It is something that I have done many times over the years and yet it never looses its ability to bring anticipation and a sense of new energy to me!  You know, I wish that I could feel this way about many things in my life.  There are things in my life that I do, or people I  interact with, or places I go that I take for granted.  And, at times I find myself feeling very indifferent toward things.  Almost like I am just going through the motions of life and missing out on the real joy. 

One example is my quiet time with the Lord.  I wish that I would get up feeling a sense of anticipation about my time alone with Jesus.  But most days I feel as if I am just going through the motions because I know I should.  If I felt this way about skiing I probably would stop going.  And, I think that is why some of us struggle with consistency in our daily walk with the Lord. I really think this is all about perception.  We have somehow "tagged" our quiet time with the label of obligation instead of privilege. We look at it as one more thing we have to get done within an already packed day.  I wonder what would happen if we scrapped that notion and began to look at it a little differently?  What if we could do something to "freshen up" our quiet time?  

Try saving a certain CD for just that time, one the you enjoy and will look forward to listening to.  Only listen to that CD during your time, and treat yourself to a new one maybe once a month.  Or, get a really good book that you can couple with your time in the word and only read it during that time, so that you will build a sense of anticipation.  Better yet, at the very beginning of your time get on your knees and breathe a short prayer of invitation...inviting Jesus Christ himself to come and sit with you.  You will be surprised at the feelings you will experience when you find yourself sitting at His feet, in His presence, with an open heart! 

Yesterday as we were skiing, Jacob struggled a little with the notion that he kept falling.  He and I took a break and went into the lodge for a Coke and a snack.  We sat by the fireplace and I told him how I learned to ski and that falling was just a part of the process.  Then I explained how important it was to get back up and try again.  Then to my surprise he said, "Mom can we go and try again?".  Of course, I said yes and we hit the slopes again.  After a few more times down the bunny slope we got on the lift and headed up the incline.  At the top, I gave a few more instructions and we were off.  I am so happy to report, that he made it all the way to the bottom without falling. I was following closely behind him, and as he got to the bottom his excitement got to him and he raised both arms in the air and pumped his fists while screaming, "I DID IT!!!!".  From that point on he was a picture of perfection on the slopes, and falling was no longer a problem, but just part of the growth experience. 

I add this portion of the story here at the end as a point of encouragement.  Over time we all struggle with "falling off the wagon" of quiet times.  We are lucky to make it to church on Sunday much less anything else.  And then we find ourselves feeling guilty and defeated.  But, let me encourage you that falling is sometimes part of the growth process, and it is so important to keep trying.  It may take time to find the quiet time "formula" that works for you.  But, don't give up.  You will miss so many blessings, new experiences, and thrilling moments with the Lord if you allow yourself to dwell on the fall instead of the future benefits. 

I am sorry if I am rambling today, but I feel for some reason that there is someone out there that needs this encouragement, or maybe it is just for me.  Whatever the case, my prayer for all of us today is that we will find a new thrill in our journey with Jesus!  I am also praying that the thrill of the journey will far outweigh the spills along the way! (Check out the bottom of my blog main page for more skiing pictures!)