Lessons from the Ski Slopes

Black, blue, and green! This is representative of 2 major facets of the weekend; the slopes of a West Virginia Ski Resort and the progression of the color of bruises that surfaced from the various encounters with the snow. However, there were several thoughts from the trip that I hope are insightful for the future.

Life is best lived in community. With five guys (no burger & fries) all traveling together, sleeping in the same hotel room, and roaming the side of a West Virginia mountain made for an outstanding weekend of fun.
 

Have a plan. There are some essentials to making the trip a succes; know where you're from, where you're going, a general idea about time of arrival, fuel in the car, and cash or card on hand in case of emergencies.

Risk is good. Setting out on an adventure with friends stretches your innovation and abilities to the max. The adrenaline rush of skiing at the peek of snow-capped mountains is meant to be kept in check by the accountability of true friends. Know your limits! One of the guys asked a great question, "Where's the line between having fun and being foolish?"
 

Waiting is worth it. The real excitement of skiing down the mountain can be found in stopping to view the sites of others; whether to be impressed by their expertise or entertained by their inexperience.

 

Joy drives endurance. The first few runs are like remembering to ride a bike again and the end of the day always ends with "Last run!" A conscious effort for your brain and legs to unite is needed. Cooperation between your will and your actions is absolutely required. And true success is determined by walking away from the slopes on your own two feet.

 

How does this apply to the Christian life? I'm not sure there's a more appropriate passage of Scriptures that exemplifies this story like Hebrews 12:1-2. There's community in the cloud of witnesses. There's a plan to lay aside distractions. We embrace the risk when we choose to run the course set before us. Waiting and relying on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, is always worth it because He saw the joy beyond enduring the cross.

 

What does community look like for you? Are you being intentional with your plan to run toward the things that God is passionate most about? Are you finding joy in Jesus?