Choosing our attitude

Snowflakes in motion

My friend, Marge, is adapting fairly well to her new singlehood. Some days are better than others.

Recently she was expecting some guests when a snowfall complicated her plans. The sidewalk and driveway needed shoveling. With a sigh she put on her winter clothes and, shovel in hand, faced what must be done.

Then Marge remembered a Bible verse that had grabbed her attention earlier that day: "Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladness:" (Psalms 100:1,2)

She realized that a sigh of resignation wasn't a particularly joyous noise. Furthermore she was honoring and serving God by making it safe for her guests to come to her house, so she might as well be cheerful about it.

So Marge changed her attitude to one of gratitude that she could shovel the snow! Somehow she completed the job with less effort than she had expected. And she felt invigorated.

Sometimes we don't realize we have the ability to choose to be happy, to change our attitude, to lighten and brighten our own world, and that of everyone around us. This recognition can be especially clear when our motive is to help others.

Why cross country?

Completing the 2.2K loop

My oldest grandson and I had a special adventure. We went north to the snow country to visit Kim and to learn cross country skiing. And there was so much love.

Cross country is quite fun once you get into it. Unlike downhill, cross country skiing is work. While gravity helps you a little, you use your whole body most of the time – which is also part of the appeal.

And it’s beautiful. Even as your feet glide across a foot of snow, at eye level the white stuff perches delicately on green pine branches against blue sky. You hear the quiet.

Like most quiet sports, you are one with your environment. It’s like the difference between driving through your neighborhood and walking along the same streets. You discover special details at the slow speed that are lost when driving.

In cross country, you ski downhill, and you also ski uphill. Fish-scale etchings on the bottom of these narrow skis keep you from sliding backwards as you trek up the gentler inclines. And they don’t interfere with gathering speed downhill.

Kim’s son – a gentle giant of a guy on the Conserve School cross country ski team – was so kind and patient, guiding me through the 2.2 K loop.

When my grandson felt he had failed because he fell down in the first 15 minutes and was ready to quit, Kim made him feel loved and worthwhile.

She helped him put learning new skills into perspective by telling him funny stories about her own “face plants" – when she had fallen flat on her face. So he cheered up, went out with our group, and proudly completed the 2.2 K loop.

“All nature teaches God's love to man . . .” (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, by Mary Baker Eddy)

And so do kind people.