a view from the right lane...

A few days ago I made a solo trip into the mountains to ski the first turns of the season. Allison was using our Outback to run around town during the day, but I was blessed enough to be able to borrow a friends car for the journey - hence this entry's title. This valiant little 91' Honda 4-banger gave its all for me that day. When the hills up, so did theRPMs , turning quickly to a slight "I think I can..." rhythm. Nonetheless, we made it through the tunnel, down the hill and to the parking lot of Copper Mountain. I apprehensively pulled on my boots and slung the planks over my shoulder in hopes that my first run on my newACL will be successful with no rips, tears, pangs, aches, breaks or falters. It was. The feeling of getting up on those edges and having a 3 minute, non-stop run was awesome.

The trip was a day off. I needed a day of rest and time to connect with God before taking 10 rowdy teens to a weekend conference. What I found in the mountains was a mixed bag. As I drove I tried to concentrate on thoughts of God creating and dwelling in my high altitude surroundings, but I was still quite distractable. I attempted praying aloud, then singing and then sitting in silence and reflecting on my blessings, not much came of it. I found myself to be relatively unemotional about about it all. I did though feel a deep peace and was able to sit back and fully enjoy the freedom of the mountains and the joy of racing down the hill withsome Caedmons on the iPod.

Later the next day I had a conversation with a friend during a break in aforementioned high energy youth conference. During this conversation we reflected on the emotional highs of our teenage years and how our encounters with God consistenly seemed life changing and always emotionally charged. In all reality, I realize that a small part of these emotional highs probably had something to do with raging armies of hormones, social and personal insecuritues and a touch personal pride. But, I also know that many of my experiences during that time were indeed life changing, extremely formative, and highly engaging. That time in life was tumultuous, but it was so real and beautiful. It is the sheer beauty of a young teen, eyes closed, hands raised, raptured in the song and the moment - what he is experiencing is something that I am afraid we nearly loose in some ways as we mature. That is sad. Don't get me wrong, life is still full of joy, passion, pain and spiritual experiences, but there is something that is not quite the same as the crazy teen years. I would never want to go back there, but I do feel that we have a bit to learn from the reckless abandonment of these beautiful young people.
- I do know that when I am up in the mountains skiing, I can find a bit of what was lost...