Walking on a Ski Trail

I learned the hard way.

I had been going on regular winter walks with my daughter and was feeling adventurous.

Instead of walking on the freshly plowed street we lived on, I wanted to go to a local trail. We had walked this trail in the winter before, so I figured it would be great.

The weather had warmed up a bit and was in the upper 20s, which feels balmy when you’re used to below zero temps.

Everything was lining up.

We arrived at the trailhead and parked. It was packed with cars. Now, I knew some people cross country skied this trail, but not everyone.

So, I strapped Lily to the carrier, and off we went. I noticed right away that 99.99% of the people there had skis. And .001% had fat tire bikes. I was the only walker.

The first step I took on the trail I sunk about 2 to 3 inches into the snow. The trail looked smooth and was even freshly groomed, but it was deceptive. The lovely “warm” weather had softened the trail just enough so every step I took sunk a few inches in the snow.

It was hard work.

People started to pass by us gliding effortlessly on skis, while we plodded in the snow. I stuck to the side, because my footsteps alone were absolutely ruining the smooth, ski-friendly trail.

Each step was arduous, and I had to take frequent breaks to catch my breath and rest. I did see one other person walking, but it was a little boy with his skiing family. And naturally, a small child isn’t going to sink as deeply as a 5 month pregnant woman, carrying a one year old. He happily skipped by us, and I gave a breathless, labored smile to the family.

I found myself thinking, What is the point of this? And interestingly, What is the lesson in this?

I soon got my answer.

Going against the grain.

As people who love the Lord, we are called to not conform to the patterns of this world. That is because we belong to God, and not to the world.

And following the patterns of this world, is really easy. Doing, saying, and living like the world is as effortless as those footloose skiers on the trail. But God calls us to another path. Let’s call it, the road less traveled.

A walk with the Lord means constant leaning and depending on Him for strength and guidance. It means choosing the right path, instead of the one that is easiest or most popular.

Now, I’m going to make a full disclosure here, skiing on a ski trail is not wrong. Neither is walking on one. And I’m definitely going to look into getting some skis for next time.

As long as we are walking with God and looking to Him in each moment, we are heading in the right direction.

Until Another Moment,

Jasmine