Another week is here and the time to post has arrived. As I was pondering what to share with you I was reminded of another glimpse the Lord gave me. I caught it when I was skiing downhill at about 25 mph.
The day was beautiful - sunny skies, moderate temperatures, minimal crowds, and great grooming. No, I'm not talking about anyone's personal hygiene habits. I mean the snow. When you're talking about winter resorts, grooming means the care that's put into providing the best possible surface on which to ski. Grooming includes making snow, moving snow, etc. It takes a lot of time, energy and effort. As a matter of fact, dedicated staff will spend the whole night preparing trails and runs.
Well, this day the grooming was great. I was especially pleased because the week before it had been quite icy. I had called it quits after an hour and a half and waited inside for Curt. Whenever I'm on trails with patches of ice I get really cautious. I call it skiing in survival mode and I don't really enjoy it much at all. I'm pleased to report that the opposite was true this week.
I was tentative at first, trying to figure out how well my skis would respond. After the first two runs I knew that the surface would support me. I started skiing with confidence and enjoying afresh the Lord's creation. It was on one such glorious trip down the mountain that I explained what was happening to Curt. "I just realized that the condition of the snow makes a huge difference in the way I ski. Last week the surface kept shifting under me and I had to give up because I was overwhelmed by the fear of falling. This week the surface is secure and I'm discovering that I can carry much more speed and handle it without any trouble at all." He gave me the I-get-it smile.
We headed down the next stretch of trail and my thoughts turned toward God. It's like that in life, too. I need to be able to trust my foundation. If it's shifting and insecure, I become anxious and hesitant. I do not want to venture forth and do so at my own peril. When my foundation is solid and secure, I am confident and capable. I am able to step into new responsibilities, and learn and grow from them. What makes for a firm foundation?
Nothing is more stable and secure than God Himself. 2 Timothy 2:19a says, "God's solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: 'The Lord knows those who are his.' " Ephesians 2:20b tells us that Christ Jesus Himself is the "chief cornerstone" of that firm foundation. Hebrews 13:8 confirms that, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." With this sure, stable, solid, secure foundation there's no place for fear and anxiety. Victory and freedom are built on it. Another day of skiing on the outside, another day of rejoicing on the inside. Psalm 2 fills my soul. My life is abundant with faith and trust in Him.
Emmanuel
