Lessons from a Ski-Day

I don't ski very well, but I sure enjoy it a lot. Since I have only skied a handful of times I usually start out on the bunny hill. Well, due to very little snow, the runs at the bottom of the mountain were not in good condition, so I went up the mountain instead. That's when the fun began.  I was too slow getting off the chairlift, so I had to jump. :) Good thing it was only a couple feet. I actually stuck the landing, but I won't take any credit for it. Down the slopes I went, carving madly to keep myself from getting too fast. I took a couple of minor spills, but I just stood back up as though nothing happened. It is only as embarrassing as you make it. :) The view was breathtaking, and the sunshine transformed the landscape into a frosty wonderland. The trees glistened in their snowy decor, and the fresh air was very revitalizing. I closed the day with a black diamond run, but fortunately I did not know that it was a black diamond run until I was passed the crux. :)I will be sore tomorrow, but I don't mind.
         So what does skiing have to do with the Christian walk? More than I ever realized. Nobody is born a pro at skiing. It takes practice, falls, and courage to develop the agility and skill. The same applies to our Christian walk. We aren't perfect overnight, but rather learn by exercising faith, and learning from the Master. Though the falls may be hard and painful, we are not to despair. God does not leave us. He is by our side ready to lend a helping hand if we but ask. Though sometimes the Christian walk seems to be an endless struggle, if we stop to look we see incredible beauty and our hearts are filled with a peace that this world cannot give.
I will probably never win a medal for my skiing, but I pray that I may win the prize in store for all who finish God's race. In my own strength it is impossible, but through Him who overcame I can be triumphant!