..."zamboni..."

My sister recently came for a visit.  When you live 4 states away from your family, there is an excitement that company brings... almost like the anticipation of Christmas morning.

The fellers and I pointed the land yacht towards Cicero and gathered their auntie.  We had tentative plans of investigating Sue's T-Rex skeletal remains at the Field.  As we drove to the parking, submerged under Millennium Park, we saw the ice rink and our plans took a detour.  We had wanted to skate the weekend gram and gramp were here in November, but our urban outing was laced with rain, detouring that days plans.... today was our chance and God had graced us with 40 degree temperatures to boot!

After a bowl of soup and a cup'a java to warm us internally, we headed to rent some skates.  My oldest and his auntie were going to give it a try.  At first he clung to the railing that edged the rink, feet awkwardly akimbo... shedding a few tears as his socks tried to slink down in his boot, rubbing his shins raw.  He eventually developed his "sea legs" and was venturing away from the railing.

Once they had barely completed three-quarters of a lap, my youngest exclaimed, "I think I'd like to give it a try."   This is the boy who does not always handle new-challenging-unique situations ... I was leery of what the outcome would be.

After we had laced up he was so eager to hit the ice.  Immediately he wanted to stray from the railing... encouraging me to do the same.  I was gripped by fear... he was full of courage.

Once I had completed a few laps I needed a break.  My oldest was gliding by, smiling and waving... his fear had dissipated.  My youngest was along side his auntie asking her, "Why do people chuckle when someone falls."  She explained that we were laughing with his big brother as he was flailing around on his neophyte lap, but we weren't belittling him.

He was rather chatty with his auntie.  Explaining that he didn't know how to skate when he had woken up that morning &  "Now I am awesome."

We had skated for a couple of hours without one complaint of cold. It was time for the rink crew to smooth out the ice with the Zamboni, and we were all asked to exit.  The Zamboni worked it's magic; smoothing the rink to a glass-like state.

During my break on the bench my mind began to think about fear & courage.... and the Zamboni.  As children, we live life without fear, full of courage and belief in our capabilities.  I the adult clung to the rail with fear; my sons ventured out in courage. They enjoyed themselves, took pride in their abilities, had faith that they wouldn't be hurt.

This is a reflection of my faith life.  If I live without trust and faith in the Lord, I am not fully enjoying all He has to offer.

In the Old Testament the Lord spoke to Joshua about courage.

Joshua 1:9

New International Version (NIV)

^"9...Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Leaving the ice... notice they are skating "up stream." My little salmons.


If we live this life we have been given with courage; with child-like faith, then the Lord will give us strength in our trials.  He will be like the Zamboni... smoothing away all the scrapes and dings.