Tag: skiing

faith, Family, religious, skiing, Uncategorized, women

Where is the man in the Green Pants?

katietkennedy

Where is the man in the Green Pants?

We recently went to Steamboat, Colorado skiing. While packing, I began feeling ill (don’t worry, it wasn’t corona). The first days of our trip I couldn’t swallow nor sleep. In desperation, I sought medical guidance and received a prescription to remedy strep throat.

After two days my health was improved but not 100%. I declared I was going skiing. It was a gorgeous sunny day and I was done sitting on the sideline.

Jonathan and I had an opportunity to ski together because our kids were in ski school. I grew up skiing and knew I’d be able to get down the slopes. What I lacked was a right mind and a sense of direction. My brain and body were feeble and flooded with illness. I knew the mountain well, but if left alone, I’m not sure I could have found my way back. Keep in mind Steamboat has 165 trails covering 2,965 acres, and 23 lifts.  

In hindsight, I acknowledge I probably shouldn’t have skied, but who wants to miss out on vacation?  

 My strategy was simple. Follow the man in the bright green pants. The previous year my husband had upgraded his aged and neutral black ski pants to electric green. The new attire was easily recognizable. I followed him from slope to slope, lift to lift trusting his guidance.

This reminds me of God. Can we humble ourselves enough to admit we need help so He can direct us? If we focus our eyes on Him, He shows us the way.

I knew I could trust my husband because he loves me and would ensure my safe arrival home. When I needed a break to refuel he patiently waited for me. 

God is with us, loves us and cares for our every need. Jonathan provided me much-needed leadership that day. I was weak and had to trust him. Any other day I would have inserted my opinion about which direction to go and competed for the lead.  

When we are weary and lacking faith God will escort us.  

These are unusual times. Our normal has been turned upside down. Thankfully, we have an omnipresent God with an upside-down kingdom. Seek Him to guide your next turn while enjoying the joy and peace only He can provide. 

Uncategorized

What Do Faith & Skiing Have In Common?

katietkennedy

Learning to ski reminds me of my faith journey with God. When you first learn to ski each turn is uncomfortable and forced. The more you practice, the more natural it becomes. All of a sudden you aren’t analyzing each micro turn and you find yourself at the bottom of the slope gazing up realizing you don’t even know how you got there. 

This resembles my relationship with God. For years I wanted to deepen my reliance on Him. I fumbled my way through a morning routine trying to 1,2,3 step my way to a better connection. I believe God delighted in my attempts, awkward as they may have been.

After taking my soul through a car wash removing the guilt, lies, and grief I can now accept His forgiveness, love, and grace. I now delight sitting in His presence as He fills my heart with love and peace. 

My turns down the slope can still be shaky and I occasionally encounter patches of ice and bumps along the way. Regardless if the slope has been groomed, I keep my eyes on Him. Instead of using my own strength to complete a turn, He helps me lean on my edges for a smoother ride with less effort. I cover more ground when utilizing His strength.

When I fall, He picks me up and encourages me to proceed forward. He helps me determine the safest path down, the proper course for me to take. God guides my every turn to avoid collision with other skiers.

Some days the slopes are sunny, warm, and smooth and I absorb the glory of those days. Other days are cloudy, cold, and windy with low visibility. No matter the weather, nor if my fingers are numb, He is there to aid me in reaching the bottom, never abandoning my side. When I get off course and find myself lost in the trees, He shows me the way back.  

Now, I can’t imagine getting down the hill without His help. Before I didn’t know how to rely on His assistance, determined I could do it on my own. My pride and sin were preventing me from accepting His love and help. Why would I not lean on the one who created the mountain in the first place? If I keep my eyes fixed on Him, He will bring me safely home. He might even have a big cup of hot cocoa awaiting my arrival. Who knows?