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Last winter I had a fall. I had been out at my book club meeting, enjoying wonderful treats, great company, and fascinating discussion. It was a Wednesday. The day after the city had shut down for snow. Wednesday was the beginning of the thaw. And then it froze again. This would not have mattered, except that it decided to freeze again all while I had been inside at my friends house, enjoying the warmth of friendship and books.

It was quite the surprise to me when I hit the top step of our hosts walkway, which has been clear several hours earlier, and now was covered in black ice – a fact I only came to realize as I failed to gain traction with either boot, and landed painfully on my left arm and butt. It was surprisingly painful. I decided I would not likely get any rest without knowing if I had broken my arm or not. So off we headed to the ER. I was waiting to be checked in when another victim of the ice walked in, also clutching their arm in pain. When I spoke with the Doctor later that night, I was relieved to know that I had not broken anything. He said that he had been treating a steady stream of ice victims all week.

Nothing compares to an experience like that as it brings your attention to the ground you walk upon. This week with the return of snow, every step I've taken has been deliberate and sure. No need to be reminded about walking safely, my body seemed to know instinctively that I would want to be mindful of the presence of ice.

As we are invited into the practices of our faith, so too are we involved in the experience of truth in a way that stays with us over the years. God invites us, through prayer, Bible reading, silence, gathering, and the sharing of a meal, to an engagement beyond what we can intellectually understand. Practices hardwire into us a heart and soul response, deep within. The practices of our faith embed for us truths that we can draw upon season after season.

This week I encourage you to walk carefully on the ice – but even more, walk purposefully as you live out the practices of faith that will resonate year after year.

 

Obey these instructions as a lasting ordinance for you and your descendants. - Exodus 12:24