Dec 24--Amy

Today, Dad, Dan, Audrey and I went snowshoeing to Stewart Falls. Audrey was excited for her first snowshoeing adventure. Although it was snowing and, eventually, hailing in the valley, we headed up to our misty mountains where there were inches of new snow.







At first, the trail's steep incline was a challenge for Audrey. She felt overheated, but because it was still lightly snowing, we didn't want to suggest she take off her hood. We stopped when she needed to, had drinks of water, had cookies, had granola bars, and as our stops increased, we started a 4-minute hiking interval goal with incentives. The waterfalls, at 2 miles in /4 miles round trip, seemed very far away.

Then Audrey asked if she could go first. We had thought it best to go ahead so that we could pack down the snow and make it easier on her. But as the 4-minute interval stretched into 16 without a request to stop, it was clear that something had changed. She asked Dan to quiz her on Greek, Roman, or Egyptian myths (anyone want to take her up on the challenge?). She watched for the trail markings and led the way. And yes, we did see the waterfalls.

Although it isn't New Year's, Christmas pushes me to examine my motivations, my goals, and my determination. What does the love of Christ honestly motivate me to do today and other days? What do I most need to do, and how can I actually do it, not just think about doing it?



Today reminded me that at times everything can feel really slow going. Paths that are new to me make miles gummy-stretchable. It's easy for me to want to stop. I have to keep reminding myself that how I experience my journey can change, and actively seeking the path/trail ahead can give me strength. And that seemed right as we read tonight to "seek this Jesus of whom the prophets and apostles have written, that the grace of God the Father, and also the Lord Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost, which beareth record of them, may be and abide in you forever."