Unexpected Wonders

It snowed all morning and afternoon yesterday in the deep South. I watched eagerly, awaiting the necessary covering such that I could safely cross-country ski without bottoming out. By early afternoon, the streets were covered with a good few inches. It was time.

The last time I cross-country skied was about five years ago. Would I still know how to do it? I strapped on my skis, and headed off on the roads of Charlotte, which get snow like this once a decade. It was perhaps the most perfect cross-country ski snow trail I have ever skied. I was pleased to discover that my muscles remembered instantly how to cross-country ski. I guess it is like riding a bike; you never forget.

The snow was perfect -- just the right amount of slickness. The skis skimmed beautifully across the surface. I glided joyfully though my neighborhood. Then I headed to the sidewalks of the busy street beside our neighborhood. There were few cars out on the unplowed streets, but many of them honked and waved at me, and several rolled down their windows and took my picture. It is not every day you see someone skiing through the streets of Charlotte.

I skied about 3 miles to the nearest golf course, and had fun on the many hills of the golf course. By now, I was covered with a layer of sleet, so figured it was best to head back before the forecast freezing rain commenced. With the wind at my back, I swooshed over the snow, smiling and waving back at the cars passing by.

I was glad I had turned around when I did. It was glorious but tiring. I had had to cancel our homeschool downhill ski trip because of the storm. Who would have figured I would be able to ski on roads in the balmy south? What an unexpected blessing!

It amazed me that after all those years of not being on cross-country skis, it was as though I had just skied yesterday. It was like returning to an old, beloved friend.

When I came in, I sat down and read my Bible section for the day. It was Psalm 73, which ends with one of my favorite passages, about God being with us continually, even when we are far from Him in our trespasses and sin. He is always there, so that when we finally turn and grasp His outstretched hand, we realize it feels natural, as though we have always known Him even when we thought we did not. He never forgets us, even though we often forget Him. But when we return, He "receives us in glory" and our path is dazzling in the exquisite beauty of His presence. We wonder how we could have ever forgotten He was there. It feels as though we never left, so comfortable and natural is the gift of His presence.

I dreamt of streetlights lining my route as the snow fluttered all about me like angels.

The ice is expected this morning. We thought we were all set with our generator...but it won't start. If we lose power, we are going to be little freezepops. We should have checked it out BEFORE we knew we would need it. The symbolism of this is certainly fodder for another day, another blog.

*****
Psalm 73: 21-26
21 When my soul was embittered,
when I was pricked in heart,
22 I was brutish and ignorant;
I was like a beast toward you.
23 Nevertheless, I am continually with you;
you hold my right hand.
24 You guide me with your counsel,
and afterward you will receive me to glory.
25 Whom have I in heaven but you?
And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.
26 My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.