Intertribal Life Newspaper -

Autumn would pass, the first snow would fall,

We tried to wait patiently for Dad to call:

"The pond is frozen! Grab your gear.

The skating pond is smooth and clear!"

Our skates were sharp and polished like new

And Mama pinned mitts on our parkas, too.

"Hurray!" We'd shout bundled head to toe

Thinking Mama would never let go.

So many clothes seemed to get in our way

But we hurried to the pond, on a prairie winter day.

Dad always stayed near, within sight of us

'Cause he knew Mama would lecture and fuss.

He'd gather dried branches and build a small fire.

It didn't take long before we got tired.

Mama got Dad to bring the hot cocoa and cake...

I didn't know then, all the memories we'd make.

Our noses were tingling as we welcomed the heat

We sat on the logs and rested our feet.

We giggled and teased about who skated faster

Dad said we woke everything up with our laughter!

I still feel the warmth of that cocoa going down

And Dad changing our mitts before second round.

Then off we skated, revived galore

On a perfect prairie day, never thought I'd want more.

Came a wave of Dad's hat, meant it was time to go back

Old Dog shook off snow, headed home down the track.

We climbed the small bank and looked at all of our lines

Some nice figure eights and squiggly designs.

Just a small skating pond, not far from our place

Where we all grew up...

Wrapped in Creator's love and grace.

Every winter since my granddaughters arrived, their Dad floods the yard into a huge skating rink, complete with lights and sound. It is a wonderful sight. Their friends come and join in for hours and hours of good healthy outdoor fun. My heart is full as I watch them and remember how I had loved the old skating pond behind our farm that somehow was reborn each winter. It also reminds me that fun...is fun. True, it's changed from my childhood, but the purpose is the same. Cheeks still get rosy in fresh, crisp air, eyes sparkle, mitts get soaked and hot chocolate with marshmallows is deliciously timeless.

Today, if you can find a bit of joy in some of life's simple activities, then you are truly blessed also. I believe our Creator is pleased when we appreciate all the goodness in our surroundings and make the most of these free offerings. All that the earth contains is there for us.

Next time snow is gently falling, don't close the drapes, bundle up and go out for a walk. Catch snowflakes on your tongue, laugh out loud. Try on those old skates and head to the nearest rink. It's amazing how easily a conversation can start, even if you're feeling shy. Allow yourself to have fun.

Whenever I get bogged with worry or writer's block, I head to the skating rink or the park and observe. Slowly, I mingle, pick up a ball that landed beside me or ask someone if I can pat their dog. There are many ways to reach out. We don't know what domino effect it could have on another. Perhaps they were lonely or bogged down with problems and that's why they were there.

Take a chance, skate in the moment. Laugh with someone. Laughter breaks barriers. Last summer I had the best visit with an elderly lady who had gotten a new puppy. Everything it did made her laugh. She went into great detail explaining what it did! She made me laugh as I agreed and nodded with her.

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The puppy dug in the sand, we did too. We laughed and brushed the sand off ourselves. She helped me get it out of my hair! As we parted, she bowed and told me how much she appreciated my interest and sharing her puppy with me. She was a tiny, sweet Oriental woman who never spoke a word of English! We understood each other perfectly and it had nothing to do with 'words'.

Life's fulfilling moments can be that simple. The gospel is meant to be simple. These moments can be found anywhere and everywhere, if we choose to look for them... And so can our Creator be found...if we choose to look. Seek and you shall find. Knock and the door will be opened to you. It works for me every time I look. Even as I write this, I have to remember to seek these blessings more often than I do.