The family enjoys ice skating

We bundled up and were out the door. After a brisk quarter-mile walk, we arrived at the Zehrs' where skating was planned for any folks in church who get a kick out of sliding over the ice. I enjoy skating, but never got to be too much of a pro at it. Children took my joy for skating to new levels; watching them enjoy it is the ultimate — that is, besides those quiet moments where the pond is clear and a solo set of skates hums across a lake while worshiping the great God who made the beauty of winter.

Tonight I told little Joshua that it would be his night to get into ice skates for the first time. He was not sold on the idea. He swung his boots to and fro on his perch on a chair at the side of the pond. "No, I don't want to." How well I recall that feeling of really wanting to do what the 'big people' do, but also being apprehensive of how it would turn out.

"I'll go with you, you'll be fine!" I assured him.

He wasn't sold on the idea at all. At that moment Cousin Josh came along. "Let's go!" he stated, and off he went holding both of Joshua's hands. Though Joshua wouldn't admit it, I could tell he was having a blast. Soon it was my turn with him. Miss Wagler took one hand and I took the other. Together we skated to the other end of the pond. Soon he was ready to try it on his own. Since he was used to rollerblading at home, he had the hang of balancing himself. In no time he was all over the pond, smile flashing and pink cheeks glowing.

I tried to wrap my brain around it: my baby — he's ice skating — who thought my baby would grow up?! Just because he is a good notch shorter than others his age does not mean he doesn't get to grow up. By the way, how do you keep the baby of the family from being a baby too long or being 'babied'? Any advice out there? I'd really like to hear it! Don't the youngest of the family deserve to grow up in step with life around them, just like all the others?

Now as my baby slid across the pond and back, I marveled — yes, I rejoiced with him though I also miss not having a toddler around the house.

We enjoyed a game of dare base and also had time just skating at our leisure, chatting, then skating again. I was well aware of the soreness that tends to settle in afterward, so I didn't push myself all night. As it was getting close to time to go home, I asked Joshua if he still had energy left. "Oh yes!" came the quick reply.

"Okay, good, because we're going to have to save some of that energy for our walk home!"

"Aw, well I didn't mean that …"

"You may skate for a bit yet, then we'll all be going home."

It was a deal.

Since it was school the following day, it was no option to get to bed late. Who cares for those mornings where morning jobs and everything else is squashed together because people needed some extra sleep? As much as I wanted to let them stay, we had all gone back to boots and shoes by 7:15 and were on our way. Yes, we had some tired youngsters along the way, but everyone did well and soon we were back at home in our cozy warm house where we enjoyed some fresh chili along with cookies made by Julia and had everyone get ready for bed.

When the dishes were done, we were ready to wind down with family time in the living room. There we had a story about Jesus when he was a baby and also how his parents could not find him when he was 12 years old. When he was found in the temple, he was talking with others on things pertaining to His Father. Where are we found when others come looking for us? Are we investing time in simply being with our Father? If so, in the end we will have gained so much more than we ever dreamed possible.

After family worship, as I was tucking little ones into bed, I was running writing ideas through my head when Joshua slowly shuffled his way into the bedroom. "I can hardly walk … my legs …"

I couldn't help but smile, though I also felt sorry for him. "You're sore from skating," I explained. "Shall I rub lavender oil into them?"

"No, they hurt too much."

Watching him glide over the ice was just too cute — now he had the aftermath of soreness. I assured him that the first time would be the worst, and from now on it wouldn't be that bad.

Hey, I'm back again. The following day after the ice skating, us ladies had sewing day at the Zehrs' where Joshua and his friend Davon spent more time on the pond. His soreness had lifted and he was ready to go again. Reminds me of what I told one of my children after they took a flop on the ice while skating: the Bible says a righteous man will fall seven times and will simply get up and go again! Isn't that life?! Do I get up and go again after a hard knock or news that took my breath, or will I be too scared to get up and go on?

As 2026 begins, let’s try this favorite Sauerkraut & Sausage Recipe!

NEW YEAR'S SAUERKRAUT WITH SAUSAGE

1 pound bulk sausage, browned

1 large can or bag sauerkraut

3 tablespoons brown sugar

1 diced onion

1 cup ketchup

Mix all ingredients. Bake at 275 for 4-5 hours. Stir occasionally. You may want to add a little water to desired consistency.