What are some things that only happen one time? I’m listing a few, however, I realize there are many things that could make the grouping exhaustive.

• Being born
• Dying
• A first job
• Purchase first car
• Birth of first child
• Breaking that first bone
• Loss of a loved one
• Viewing a newly released movie hit
• Losing a first tooth
• Falling in love

Easter 2024 has come and gone. This sacred day has been celebrated in Christian churches for over 2,000 years, a repetition I pray we never grow weary or apathetic in our hearts and minds as we remember Friday’s death that was overcome with Sunday’s resurrection! Jesus’ “one time death and one time resurrection” sealed God’s plan for the salvation of mankind. Romans 6:10 says: “For the death He died He died to sin, once for all, but the life He lives He lives to God”. 

In our list of “one time events” we can add in the events of Holy Week. On Good Friday the words “it is finished” echoed in church services worldwide. What did Jesus mean when He spoke those words as His spirit left His body?

“It is finished” indicates Christ had finished the redemptive work he set out to do since the first prophecy in Genesis 3 (and likely much before then). Because sin had entered the world, a cup of wrath existed. Either man or God had to drink it. So Jesus set out to fulfill the 300+ prophecies found in the Old Testament, telling how God would come to earth and take our place on the cross. (source: biblestudytools.com)

Another item we can add to the list is our individual attendance of services offered during Holy Week? As I reflect over the past 40 years of my journey of faith, I have clear memories of sanctuaries overflowing with people coming to Easter service. In the church I grew up in, our sanctuary could easily seat over 750 people. Often, the balcony was used for overflow. With each passing year attendance slowly dropped. By the time we left to move from Saginaw, average attendance was well below 100. Although various factors are the cause of great decline, one thing stands out–Easter drew in people who often did not attend church the other 51 weeks of the year. And, today, from my current observations, this remains true.

• Go to church on Easter and/or Christmas

If we only did some things one time, we’d fail miserably: drive a car one time and expect to be excellent, practice a sport and anticipate to be an all-star player, tell our child “I love you” and trust they’ll remember it for life, eat healthy for one day, train one day to run a marathon…I think you get the idea.

The only decision we need to make “one time” is how to respond to God’s gift of salvation through His Son Jesus Christ. His sacrifice will not be repeated again–remember, that was taken care of over 2,000 years ago. However, since that event, we continue to have the opportunity to respond to the gift placed in front of us when the message of the gospel is preached. It is God’s heart that “no one perish”, that you not be separated from Him for all of eternity when you take your last breath.

A beautiful trait of God is that He is patient. He is loving. He is merciful. He also is waiting for each person to respond to Him with the decision of “Lord, I believe….” and IF those words are muttered in death’s last breath, you become His child and will be with Him forever. How do I know this to be true?

My father’s oldest brother chose to live his life not being part of God’s family by attending church or embracing a relationship with Him. As he lay in a hospital bed dying various family members visited and prayed “for” him. Before he left this world, he surrendered and said “yes, Lord, I believe.” He had one last chance and he took it. In his last breath of life in the flesh, God breathed new life into his spirit. 

We are in the final week of Lent, with Sunday’s celebration of the resurrected Christ. Most commonly, we call this holy day Easter. For Christians around the world it has become very sacred in the traditions of the “church”. Altars will be draped in white and purple linens surrounded by white lilies. Triumphal music will fill sanctuaries and auditoriums… as well as crudely made churches in impoverished communities. No matter the magnificent or humble decor, the message will be the same–Christ crucified has conquered death and rose from its grip–proclaiming victory over a grave and a strong message to satan that he did not win.

What can you and I glean from the resurrection story? 

A trip to Israel is not complete unless one visits the supposed burial tomb of Jesus. Located in a beautiful garden, visitors from around the world line up for an opportunity to step inside and briefly gaze on the slab of stone where His body lay. Interestingly, as folks stand in line there’s a lot of chatter and conversation in the waiting, but as soon as several people can actually be inside the tomb, reverence silence descends in the tight space, bringing about bittersweet awareness that “this” is where a beaten, pierced, bloodied body of a beloved savior was laid to rest.

While our particular group was guided through the garden, our hostess told us a beautiful story from years ago. A number of men from Korea had come to Israel to work on a major building project. Their financial resources were limited and the men made an inquiry asking “what can we do or go that does not cost a lot of money?” They were instructed to visit the Garden of the Tomb because admission is “free”. Those who have preserved the garden and volunteer as guides have done this because the gospel message is free to all too; they don’t want any hindrance to someone hearing the “good news” of salvation. Our guide continued the story telling us that the men came. They walked through the garden, saw the place where we believe the cross was placed for Christ’s crucifixion and the tomb for burial. Elegantly laced into the account these men heard–as does anyone listening to their experience–was the “why” behind Jesus dying on a cross, for the redemption of ALL mankind and that He did so willingly even though under tremendous suffering. What happened next can only be described as a miracle. The men numbered about 30 in all, and upon hearing the gospel message they fell to their knees and said they wanted to follow Jesus, too. They were moved towards the cross’ message of salvation because this person Jesus–whom they most likely were not taught about–gave His life willingly so their sins could be forgiven and the gift of eternal life delivered in an instant to a receptive heart.

The message those men responded to years ago still echoes today in the caverns of minds and hearts that hear words of Christ’s  great sacrifice, rejection, humiliation, but above all–love and hope! That is the message God wants all of us to hear loud and clear, the well known words of John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life”. While that verse is beautiful and holds incredible truth, we often forget verse 17 that comes next…”For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.” In verse 18 John instructs us “whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed”....and further into verse 19 an admonition…”Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil”.

Resurrection Sunday reminds us of God’s plan for mankind. Woven into history from the beginning of time, His plan of salvation came to pass according to His perfect timing when Jesus left heaven, born as a baby in humble surroundings, growing to adulthood and ministering to all who were curious about Him, teaching us how to love and foster reconciliation with our enemies. Through Jesus each one of us has an opportunity to step out of our own dark deeds and into His light, leaving past sins behind, embracing new life.

What can you glean from the resurrection story? Is this holy day merely another day to mark off your calendar? In the fray of egg hunts and baskets of candy that seem to now outweigh the actual trappings of Good Friday through Sunday, will you be like one of the 30 men who heard for the “first” time, God’s immense love for them and fall to your knees in gratitude?

I know a lot of hurting people who are “empty” inside and weighed down by life’s hurts and struggles. But God! By giving us Jesus who overcame every obstacle in front of Him, we can gaze upon an “empty” tomb and be “filled” with new life, renewed hope, and everlasting life.

Christ is risen! May you experience the hope that Resurrection Sunday gives to all who place their trust in Jesus. 

I’ve attended my fair share of parades over the years from childhood until the present. Standing or sitting on a curbside street with a crowd of people of all ages, everyone eagerly anticipating the appearance of the “first” float is invigorating. Scattered among the floats are often musicians, clowns, folks walking or riding on floats, each one meant to entertain us and enjoying our shouts of joy and applause as they pass by, making their way along the parade route, and as the last entry passes, the crowds quiet, cheers fade to casual conversations, families disperse and soon the street returns to normal traffic.

We have reached the point in the season of lent referred to as “Palm Sunday”.  Palm Sunday remembers and celebrates when Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, as foretold in a prophecy in the Old Testament in Isaiah and Zechariah. 

“Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” (Zechariah 9:9)

Prior to entering the city, a week ahead of what was to come–His death and resurrection–Jesus spent time in the Garden of Gethsemane. Under a weight of deep anguish He is before His Father, face planted on the ground actually, prayerfully crying out  “if there be any other way….”

When we visited Israel in 2019 the Mount of Olives and the Garden were part of our tour. Both places were awe inspiring to me as I became aware that I was walking and standing on ground that carried Jesus’ feet 2,000 years ago. The garden is small. Its atmosphere is one of tremendous serenity and its well cared for grounds boast of a beauty I cannot describe. Standing on the mount, looking down at the “old city” and its walls that surround it, gave me yet another sense of awe and feeling God’s supernatural presence. 

Our tour also took us inside the walls of the “old city”. The streets are narrow. They are filled with pedestrians and even small cars making sharp turns to navigate the buildings that house shops, places of study, homes. As I walked along the streets during our time in the city, I tried imagining a time all those years ago when Jesus made His entry on a donkey, people standing on the sidelines cheering for Him and believing that He was coming in order to give them victory to topple Rome.  Jesus did come to defeat an enemy, but not the one they had in mind. Instead, He came to defeat the enemies of sin, death, and the devil that ensnared every man and woman since Adam and Eve.

So why did the people wave palm branches and place them at the feet of Jesus’ colt? No doubt, in Palestine, where Jesus ministered, there were plenty of palm trees scattered throughout the land. But what is the meaning of “palm branches”? According to Easton’s bible dictionary,  the branches and trees actually have a significant meaning. People didn’t just grab whatever leaves they could find for no reason. “Its branches are a symbol of victory (Revelation 7:9) . “Rising with slender stems 40 or 50, at times even 80, feet aloft, its only branches, the feathery, snow-like, pale-green fronds from 6 to 12 feet long, bending from its top, the palm attracts the eye wherever it is seen.” The whole land of Palestine was called by the Greeks and Romans Phoenicia, i.e., “the land of palms.” (source: biblestudytools.com)

I want to take you back to when I gazed at the Eastern Gate. Standing on the Mount of Olives gives the eyes a very clear observation of the gate which is sealed. In 1541 the Ottoman Sultan Suleiman ordered the gate sealed for the final time. Why? It was either to defend the city or because he wanted to prevent the fulfillment of the Jewish prophecy of the Messiah’s return through the Golden Gate. I found myself laughing as I listened to our tour guide explain man’s attempt to actually prohibit Christ’s return through this heavily bricked wall. Afterall, if a huge boulder that sealed a tomb could not contain a resurrected body, how will a stone wall prevent His triumphal return at a future time not indicated on our calendar, but only noted on God’s timeline. (Read Matthew 24)

When the Jewish people lined the streets cheering and giving praises to Jesus their motives were from a place of individual desperation and ignorance understanding God’s plan which would unfold for them in the coming days. We, who now have all of scripture which is recorded history of these events, have a choice to observe Palm Sunday with eyes of deep understanding and appreciation as we reflect on every event from that final week of Jesus’ life among His disciples, followers, and personal enemies.

Many of our churches no longer strew palm branches in our sanctuaries for us to remember this important day in Christian teachings. Yet, even with the absence of a palm branch, as we come together in corporate worship we can lift our voices, raise our hands, and honor the One who came to defeat sin, death, and the devil himself. “This” is a plan worth cheering. “This” is a plan for all to consider and choose whether to be a “spectator” or a “participant”….

The Golden Gate of the Old City wall that has been sealed since 1541, the anticipated entry way for the return of Jesus.

One common method for studying scripture, especially when reading an actual account or a parable, is to insert yourself in the storyline. By asking questions such as “what is the setting?”, “who is speaking”, “who is present?”, “what would you be thinking if you were there, too?” the  reader is able to bring the story to life.

This week I read Mark 14: 12-26 which gives an account of Jesus’ last Passover meal that He celebrated around a table with His disciples. The Passover meal was one in their Jewish tradition that was very familiar and I believe that this particular festive meal posed no differences for them. A guest room had been found. Groceries for the meal were purchased. All was ready as the 12 gathered at the table set before them, reclining as each settled in to enjoy the food and each other’s company.

In the midst of casual conversations around the table, laced with laughter or healthy banter, Jesus offers an interruption that brought a halt to their otherwise bouts of banter and reflections on the day. There is no buffer, no preface for what He’s about to reveal. In a matter of fact way, Jesus declares that “one of you will betray me”.

Immediately, Mark lets us know that the 12 became saddened. I imagine cups were set down on the table. Postures took on a rigid stance. Platters ladened with food were now ignored. All eyes are on Jesus now and each disciple begins uttering “is it me?” “Is it me?”.

The only answer given is that “it is one of you….” the disciples are left hanging, their only clue is that it is one of the 12 at the table, who has feasted with them, who has walked with them and Jesus during his three years of ministry. But Jesus doesn’t leave the 12 in the midst of their dismay, questions, or saddened emotions. He interrupts the atmosphere again, taking up bread and cup, to reveal a new mystery–a broken body that is to come, represented by common bread, and a drink cup–most likely wine–to personify the shed blood which is to come.

The season of Lent is drawing close to the end. The account here in Mark is often referred to as “The Last Supper” which is where we Christians derive our celebration referred to as “communion”. Now, instead of 12 disciples around a table, millions of believers around the world participate in this sacrament…but sadly, instead of “one” person being singled out as a betrayer of Christ, many of us fall short. But God!

Through the shedding of Christ’s blood, the forgiveness of sins, by actively participating in building a sincere relationship with Him, we are not seen as the “one” who betrays, rather God considers us His child, a saint made righteous by the shedding of His son’s blood and our response to that sacrifice.

Lent offers us an opportunity to surrender any apathy we have toward God, family, friends, or neighbors. Just as Jesus was actively present with the 12 around a festive table that began with common foods and later served under a new teaching, a new directive–to eat, drink and remember–we have God’s active presence in our lives, too.

This Lent, may you receive His love for you in the offering of His body and blood. May we all feast at the table He has set before us to remember His sacrifice for all.

“What are you free to stop doing and start doing when you know Jesus to be your King?”

That’s a loaded question, isn’t it? Notice how the first part of the question gives you an opportunity to make a decision for yourself–inside of being free you have the liberty of choosing to stop doing “something” and begin “doing” another thing. In the latter part of the question it allows a decision to actually “know” that Jesus is King. In there lies the rub.

A lot of people I’ve met in my life claim to know God and Jesus, but He wasn’t King of their lives. Let’s be honest, we humans don’t like being told what to do; this is an area I still struggle with in my own personality. Recognizing this character flaw is why I like Step 3 from Celebrate Recovery: “Consciously choose to commit all my life and will to Christ’s care and control”. 

What about “free will”?

There is a context in which the position of free will does have biblical support: the grave responsibility of making choices. Because beneath the canopy of God’s sovereignty, man does have free will. In the beginning, God established the principle of choice by giving Adam and Eve an entire garden containing a forbidden tree—this, but not that—a thread that weaves through the tapestry of future generations into the present.

“This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live.” (Deuteronomy 30:19-20)

“But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve…” (Joshua 24:15)

“Anyone who chooses to do the will of God will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own.” (John 7:17)

Scripture also states clearly that…

• making choices is a crucial part of our lives 
• that we will all be held accountable for the choices that we make 
• and that our choices can grieve the Lord or please Him (source crosswalk.com)

What do you need to surrender? Maybe it’s how you spend your leisure time. Do you get caught up in scrolling social media comparing your life to someone else? Is there a habit that is causing you deep heartache….visiting websites that are harmful? Pornography is an addiction, not a healthy escape. Do you unwind after a hard day from work with a few drinks? In excess, alcohol is addictive. Even stuffing your emotions with excess food–mainly sugar–is addictive. Did you know that most addictions cause the same responses in the human brain? 

Addiction is now understood to be a brain disease. Whether it’s alcohol, prescription pain pills, gambling, nicotine or something else, overcoming an addiction isn’t as simple as just stopping or exercising greater control over impulses. That’s because addiction develops when the pleasure circuits in the brain get overwhelmed, in a way that can become chronic and sometimes even permanent. This is what’s at play when you hear about reward “systems” or “pathways” and the role of dopamine when it comes to addiction. (source yalemedicine.org)

What do you need to surrender?  Maybe now is the time to take a heartfelt inventory of your life, your character flaws, evaluate what you think you know about Jesus and move towards taking a seat in the humility section of life and ask  some hard questions. Find people who have known Jesus for a long time, whose lives you watch and wonder how they are kind, loving, full of peace and joy…no matter their circumstances.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest”. (Matthew 11:28)

These are the very words of Jesus. He offers an invitation to “all”. Weariness creates feeling burdened, but there is hope!  He acknowledges our struggles and pain and remedies it with “rest”…..the kind of rest that our addictions cannot give!

At Celebrate Recovery I’ve met people who have surrendered their addiction to pornography, gambling, anger, pride, alcohol and drugs, codependency….numerous habits.  As a group of flawed men and women, we are surrendering….adopting healthy habits….leaning into Jesus….and bringing the good news of Jesus to others.

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Celebrate Recovery meets every Tuesday at Fowlerville United Brethren in Christ Church. Meetings begin with a meal at 6 followed by large group at 7. We have several groups for men and women for a variety of recovery struggles: sexual integrity, chemical substance abuse, general issues, codependency, and *mental health (*women only at this time) All adults age 18+ are welcome! Meetings are safe & confidential. For more information please email: celebraterecovery@fowlervilleub.org

Habits. We all have some. Grabbing your first cup of coffee each morning. Looking out your window to take in the morning view, checking the weather, making breakfast, watching the clock to get showered and in the car if you have a regular job to get to on time. 

Habits are good. They keep us on an orderly schedule if followed with discipline. Some habits are not beneficial to us…sleeping in too long which causes stress getting out the door on time. Stopping for a drive through breakfast which decreases finances and increases caloric intake that maybe isn’t the healthiest option if chosen far too often. 

Personally, I no longer have a regular job outside our home that dictates my morning schedule. It’s rare that I need to be “somewhere” most mornings which allows me the luxury of waking when I’m ready, grabbing a mug of coffee that’s already been brewed, and settling in my usual chair with my Bible, notebook, and whichever devotional I’m currently using to take me through scripture. My favorite is the YouVersion app which is downloaded on my phone. 

What about “spiritual habits”?  Lent is a good time to start some good habits. Where to begin? This season is a great time to begin making prayer a daily habit. If you try structuring your life around God but don’t take the time to talk to Him, you will find it difficult to keep your desired focus on God. 

If you’re not sure where or how to begin praying, I suggest praying through the Lord’s Prayer: 

“‘Our Father in heaven,

hallowed be your name, 

your kingdom come,

your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us today our daily bread.

And forgive us our debts,

as we also have forgiven our debtors.

And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from the evil one.”

These are Jesus’ own words from Matthew 6: 5-15.

Finding time to pray doesn’t not have to be cumbersome. God isn’t looking for that perfect person who is able to devote lengthy minutes or hours in solitude with Him–although there are some devout Christ followers who enjoy that luxury! No, what He truly loves is that we give Him a portion of our day talking with Him. You might do so as you shower…on your commute to work…maybe sitting alone at a table in your lunch room at work or school…going for a walk on your break. Wherever you can carve out intentional time, remember He is with you always as a constant companion, a best friend waiting for a good conversation!

May  you feel encouraged today and always that God is always waiting to draw near to you and nothing you say to Him could ever stop Him from loving you. Nothing–!

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4: 6

A trip to any store and visiting its “seasonal” aisle quickly reveals what current holiday or observance our culture is enjoying. It seems we have just put away Christmas decor, which was replaced by all things related to Valentine’s Day–cards, candy, plush toys, and more candy. As with any holiday Americans celebrate, there’s a lot of marketing preparation that takes place to lure us to spend a lot of money on only one day. Now, because February 14 is behind us, red and white hearts galore are replaced with all things spring–most of it connected to Easter which is a Christian celebration of the “Church”. Seasonal aisles will be filled with chocolate bunnies, egg coloring kits and plastic eggs, cards, baskets full of treats, plush bunnies and lambs, and don’t forget those paczkis on Fat Tuesday!…all things we associate with Spring, yet often omitting the truth of this sacred day–Jesus. Oh, before you get upset, yes–sometimes you can find a chocolate cross alongside the bunny ones. Beyond those, in American culture there’s not a lot of Jesus in the way many families observe what I like to call “Resurrection Sunday” versus Easter.

But, what about Lent? This year Ash Wednesday and Valentine’s Day fell on the same day, the 14th. 

You may have seen Christians, mostly Catholics, walking around with a smear of ash on their foreheads and wondered what it meant. The practice of Ash Wednesday is symbolic within the Christian church to recognize our frailty as humans. It also marks the beginning of the Lent season.Although Ash Wednesday is enriched with Christian symbolism, we don’t actually find an instance of this particular holiday in the Bible. The holiday didn’t have a biblical origin, but owing to the Council of Nicea implementing a 40-day fasting period prior to Easter, many debated as to when that period would start. In the fifth century, Pope Gregory transferred the beginning day of Lent from a Sunday to Ash Wednesday. However, fasting and prayer have strong Biblical foundations and guidelines.

The symbolism of repentance and grief continues from Ash Wednesday into the Lenten season through the observation of fasting and prayer.  The 40 days of Lent symbolize the period of fasting and spiritual preparation that Jesus underwent in the wilderness before beginning His public ministry. This time of reflection and self-denial is observed by Christians as a way to spiritually align themselves with Jesus’ journey and to prepare their hearts for Easter, the celebration of His resurrection.

The story of Jesus’ temptation is recounted in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. After being baptized by John the Baptist in the Jordan River, Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, where He fasted for 40 days and nights. During this time, Satan tempted Him three times, each time trying to exploit His hunger and weakness. Jesus resisted each temptation by quoting Scripture and reaffirming His commitment to God. This story highlights Jesus’ victory over temptation and serves as an example of spiritual fortitude and reliance on God’s Word. (source: biblestudytools.com)

From a devotional I began on Ash Wednesday it says “The purpose of Lent isn’t to ‘better’ your life, but to center your life on what matters most: the One who made you and died for you. And one of the ways you do this is through practicing spiritual habits.”

While store aisles are filled with all things our culture deems as necessary for celebrating Easter…Resurrection Sunday … .together let’s make space for what matters. What matters? Jesus and how you respond to His gospel and plan for salvation.

Today marks a bittersweet day in our lives and family. Seven years ago we said goodbye to our beloved brother, John Kretchman. Age 54 is too young in my opinion, cancer doesn’t care. Our family is grateful John had a relationship with Christ and is enjoying eternal life. I’m quite certain he’s pretty happy and creating havoc among the Heavenly’s.

A year ago I found myself in an ER department hearing “ you’ve had a heart attack Mr Kretchman.” At that moment I felt as though I was inside a movie, that this reality was not ours. We are grateful for quick care, successful surgeries, being surrounded by our children, pastors, and friends during a week that interrupted a normal Tuesday.

Changes have been made … different things go in the grocery cart now, more physical activity has been added. Meds are a daily routine.

We aren’t superstitious people to realize the anniversary of two events with two brothers. God doesn’t move and work in those kinds of realms; He is good all the time and it’s we who live and move in His plan and purpose.

We will see John again, that gives us great joy! We will continue to live our adjusted lifestyle until our own home-going.

A

This past week brought our community a few days of school closings due to snow, ice, and temperatures. For the safety of all school employees and children, time to stay off dangerous roads was necessary. This is Michigan and nothing to be surprised at as families make adjustments for the closures. I follow many young families on social media and it’s fun to read questions and comments —”do you think there will be a snow day tomorrow?”…”I sure hope the call comes early enough to make arrangements for my kids!” 

I remember those hopeful feelings myself. As a student in the 50s through the 70s, I recall sitting perched in front of the TV with the morning news tuned in, waiting for the school closing banner at the bottom of the screen to announce Saginaw City Schools are closed due to snow! Once those magical words appeared, off went the school clothes, into play gear and calls to friends on the telephone to arrange our day outside playing in the snow!

My two older brothers were charged with clearing the driveway and sidewalks. We lived on a corner lot so our amount of sidewalk was double compared to the other houses. Once their chore was finished, they threw their shovel over a shoulder and went in search of families to help, even hoping to earn a few bucks from an elderly couple or two.

This week my husband and I were out for a couple errands on Tuesday. We passed the community park and I glanced over to take a look at the sledding hill. It was covered with beautiful white snow, but there were no children with sleds.

At the end of December our daughter and I drove to Saginaw for a bridal shower. We took the road that routed us through South Saginaw and eventually to Washington Avenue which is home to the lumber barons’ homes, the Children’s Zoo, and a beloved place from my childhood–Hoyt Park. 

Every winter the city’s recreation department flooded Hoyt Park with millions of gallons of water, creating an ice skating rink along with hockey rinks at one end. It cost us nothing to skate or use toboggan runs at Hoyt. All we needed was warm clothes, skates, a sled and a few friends to enjoy a full day of outdoor fun. When our hands, feet and faces got too cold, we could sit inside the “warming house” until we thawed, returning to the cold for another round of winter play. I remember some days on the weekends when our dad stayed to sled or skate with us. Other times, our parents thought nothing of dropping us off at the curb with instructions on what time to be ready for pickup. Our only supervision for the day was under cold gray or sunny skies and following the rules of one or two city employees “manning” the warming house.

Seeing the empty sledding hill at the park caused me feelings of sadness. First, I recognized the contrast between how I couldn’t wait to get outside on a snow day to some kids today. Over the years I’ve noticed fewer and fewer children at our parks. I have my own thoughts as to why but that’s not the purpose of my topic this week. I’m willing to bet, however, that current technology and trust levels of parents are playing a large role in keeping today’s children inside warm homes. I understand concerns for safety and protection.

As sad as I feel, looking at empty parks, I am very thankful for my childhood years that included cold wintry seasons. Deep snowfalls allowed us to build snow forts, form an organized snowball fight in our neighborhood, find creative ways to keep snow from going into our boots as we trudged through drifts, catching a snowflake on our tongue and seeing how long we could withstand the cold before returning home, hoping mom had hot chocolate ready and rubbing cold red hands between hers to speed up the thawing process that mittens didn’t fully protect from hours of packing and piling snow.

I hung up my ice skates years ago. Sledding isn’t the best thing for me at my current age, but I still find ways to enjoy being outside after a good snow storm. Where we live I can walk on a road that takes me back to a wooded area where I can stand in the quiet cold air and breathe in its freshness. I am able to marvel at how snow makes different patterns on tree trunks and reveals numerous tracks from a variety of animals that live in the woods. 

I’m still careful how deep the snow is before taking steps into a drift. Warm mittens still adorn my aged hands. When I return home it’s “me” who makes the hot chocolate or tea…reminiscing and missing my mother’s warm hands rubbing cold little fingers as she assured me “you’ll warm up soon”…knowing at that age nothing could stop me from enjoying another chance to be outside with my friends to find ways to use a cold wintry day to our delight….and still acknowledging that though I may have some physical limitations now, I can still find joy on a beautiful snowy day.

I can still catch snowflakes on my tongue. And–admittedly–I can still make a snow angel. They always look pretty even if the “getting back up” isn’t very attractive! We still build snowmen when the snow is “just right”. 

A view of Hoyt Park from 2013, showing

 the newly remodeled warming house.

 Credit: mlive.com