Yesterday I posted about my decision to get into winter and enjoy cross-country skiing as an alternative to my running. Yesterday afternoon I drove to a nearby county park, Cottage Grove Ravine Park, anticipating excellent snow and groomed trails. I was a bit rushed because the sun was low in the sky and I was unfamiliar with the park. I missed the entrance for the parking lot, so I started a quick turn around. In my haste I slid off the road and into a snow bank.
At first I thought I could simply drive out. The spin of the front tires told me otherwise. I tried to clear the snow from the front of the car. It was too compacted and I had no shovel. Sheepishly I asked a couple of skiers to assist me. Though we pushed and pulled, the car was stuck. Finally I had to admit I was truly trapped in the snow and called AAA for assistance.
While I was calling AAA on my cell phone, a second call came through. I soon discovered I had a pastoral emergency with one of my parishioners! With some embarrassment, I called the family and explained my predicament. I would come as soon as the tow truck pulled me out, which was further delayed because the truck driver got lost.
As I sat in the car, waiting for the tow truck, I ruminated about my plans. I had wanted to “get into it” by doing some skiing. Instead I literally “got into it” with my car in the snow. I was frustrated, but also reflective. My haste had put me in this predicament and I could blame no one but myself. There will be future opportunities for skiing and exploring. I was thankful that my slide had cause no damage to car or myself. Finally I decided once again to practice what I often preach to others, patience and thanksgiving. I could “get into it” by seeing the mercy of God in my own foolishness.