It was the second time on Friday that we went sledding. The first time, in the front yard, we all got soaked pants, mittens, and coats. The grandkids were in towels while their pants were drying when a few of us came back with news of another great hill across the street on campus. We didn't know if they would be interested in getting all wet again so soon. But the opportunity, with warmer weather forecasts the the following days, was a small window to get into the snow again. They were troopers as we walked carrying our snow discs to find the hill again.
The campus hill was a bit steeper, and harder to climb up, but Charlie was a trooper. He was exhausted, but didn't want to quit sliding down the hill. His Aunty Karen extended her right arm and told him to hold onto the rope, and she would pull him up. His imagination was fired, and he BELIEVED he could be helped by that imaginary rope.
"Hold on and I'll pull you!" is a pretty strong encouragement to any of us when we are tired and discouraged. I contend that the rope wasn't imaginary at all. It was a spiritual rope stronger than any other kind. It is available to all of us to grab ahold, and extend it to each other.
I am so fired in the spirit to see my grandson be able to accept that rope and be helped up the hill by someone who cared enough to extend the hand and model an important lesson. It blessed me that he just knew the rope was there! We don't stop needing that strong right hand just because we are not kids anymore in age. We are all God's children.
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A phrase from the "Big Book" of Alcoholics Anonymous comes to mind that refers to beginning to trust God and have a relationship with Him:
What seemed at first to be a flimsy reed, has proved to be the loving and powerful hand of God.
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The Big Big Book says:
Don't be afraid, for I am with you...I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.
Isaiah 41:10
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