The last week in December, I went skiing in upstate New York. It was awesome.
The week after that I went skiing in Colorado. It was awesome.
While skiing, some thoughts came to mind though.
Thought#1: Most of the world can't even afford to think about going skiing, let alone do it. The fact that I get to do it ever, let alone multiple times a year, is an absolute privilege. And that's all itis. Not an entitlement. My life is pure privilege. And each time I do it, I'm grateful.
I really love skiing. A few years ago, in fact, I even worked at a ski area in Colorado called, Arapahoe Basin. I still have a number of friends who work there, and every time I return to A-Basin, part of the joy is getting to see and visit with them. A lot of the people who live in that area (Summit County) have memories of me going to church – and sometimes talking (and singing) about God at work. Most of the time they didn't mind either. For much of the people in Summit County, and for much of the Ski Culture, in general, there's a phrase that goes around a lot, “Skiingis what I live for.” A sentiment that I can certainly appreciate – but one I have to push back on in my own life.
Thought #2: As much as I love skiing, the reality is, if tomorrow I learned that I'll never be allowed to ski again, my life won't end. Why? Because it's not what I live for.
What DO I live for? These days, I'm really trying to live for God; for Christ; and because I'm living for God, all of the other exciting and cool things I get to do are all bonus. It isn't what my life is about. It's bonus. Skiing infancy places, traveling, touring, making music, it's all bonus.
So, what do you live for?
And, what are the bonuses in your life?
You belong here,
Ben J
Scripture(s): But strive first for the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. - Matthew 6:33
He said to his disciples,“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat, or about your body, what you will wear. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither store house nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! And can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life? If then you are not able to do so small a thing as that, why do you worry about the rest? Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you—you of little faith! And do not keep striving for what you are to eat and what you are to drink, and do not keep worrying. For it is the nations of the world that strive after all these things, and your Father knows that you need them. Instead, strive for his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.
“Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions, and give alms. Make purses for yourselves that do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. - Luke 12:22-34
Music/Movies to check out:
Copeland –You Are My Sunshine (album)
Copeland – Ixora (album)
Vine Street – That Is That, and This Is This (album)
Sam Burchfield – Where To Run (song)
Upcoming:
2/1 Superbowl Sunday (pick up at halftime)
2/8 Fellowship (Bowling x2) 5:15-7:45
2/15 President's Day Weekend (No YGF)
2/22 Fellowship 5:15-7:15
3/1 Fellowship (Line Dancing) 5:15-7:15
The week after that I went skiing in Colorado. It was awesome.
While skiing, some thoughts came to mind though.
Thought#1: Most of the world can't even afford to think about going skiing, let alone do it. The fact that I get to do it ever, let alone multiple times a year, is an absolute privilege. And that's all itis. Not an entitlement. My life is pure privilege. And each time I do it, I'm grateful.
I really love skiing. A few years ago, in fact, I even worked at a ski area in Colorado called, Arapahoe Basin. I still have a number of friends who work there, and every time I return to A-Basin, part of the joy is getting to see and visit with them. A lot of the people who live in that area (Summit County) have memories of me going to church – and sometimes talking (and singing) about God at work. Most of the time they didn't mind either. For much of the people in Summit County, and for much of the Ski Culture, in general, there's a phrase that goes around a lot, “Skiingis what I live for.” A sentiment that I can certainly appreciate – but one I have to push back on in my own life.
Thought #2: As much as I love skiing, the reality is, if tomorrow I learned that I'll never be allowed to ski again, my life won't end. Why? Because it's not what I live for.
What DO I live for? These days, I'm really trying to live for God; for Christ; and because I'm living for God, all of the other exciting and cool things I get to do are all bonus. It isn't what my life is about. It's bonus. Skiing infancy places, traveling, touring, making music, it's all bonus.
So, what do you live for?
And, what are the bonuses in your life?
You belong here,
Ben J
Scripture(s): But strive first for the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. - Matthew 6:33
He said to his disciples,“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat, or about your body, what you will wear. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither store house nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! And can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life? If then you are not able to do so small a thing as that, why do you worry about the rest? Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you—you of little faith! And do not keep striving for what you are to eat and what you are to drink, and do not keep worrying. For it is the nations of the world that strive after all these things, and your Father knows that you need them. Instead, strive for his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.
“Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions, and give alms. Make purses for yourselves that do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. - Luke 12:22-34
Music/Movies to check out:
Copeland –You Are My Sunshine (album)
Copeland – Ixora (album)
Vine Street – That Is That, and This Is This (album)
Sam Burchfield – Where To Run (song)
Upcoming:
2/1 Superbowl Sunday (pick up at halftime)
2/8 Fellowship (Bowling x2) 5:15-7:45
2/15 President's Day Weekend (No YGF)
2/22 Fellowship 5:15-7:15
3/1 Fellowship (Line Dancing) 5:15-7:15