Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed…Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken. - Ecclesiastes 4:9,12
Minnesotans are known for their creative ways to have fun in the cold and snow. From polar plunges to ice fishing, we're determined to make the best of winter. At our house, we hold an annual family sledding competition. Weather permitting (meaning, we have enough snow) we take turns racing down our steep and winding quarter-mile driveway on vintage metal runner sleds, aiming to travel as far as possible.
Assuming you haven't plowed into a snowbank along one of the curves, once your sled comes to a halt, you plant your personalized flag in the snow. You are given as many attempts as you want until either exhaustion or frostbite set in. The furthest flag is pronounced the winner and given a cash prize along with an official traveling trophy. In case you can't tell, we're serious about this competition.
The year my granddaughter, Mary, was seven, she was determined to win, but clearly at a disadvantage. She had neither the size nor the weight to get her very far down the hill. What she did have was a great idea. She convinced her aunt to make the run with her and together they went pretty far. But it was her final attempt that earned the victory with her triple-decker run. It consisted of three family members laying on the sled—uncle on the bottom, then aunt, and finally little Mary on top. Together they sailed the furthest down the driveway in triumph that year, celebrating their win with enthusiastic screams, hugs and a round of high fives!
In sledding competitions and day-to-day living alike, we all need the assistance of others in our journey toward our goals. We were made for community and life works best when we shoulder together and team up along the way.
CLOSING PRAYER
Father God, thank you for the people you have placed in my life and those I have yet to meet. Help me to seize opportunities to help those in need and also to receive others’ help with grace and gratitude. In Jesus’ name, Amen.