Happiness is a Pair of Ski Boots

Yesterday I got some custom ski boots. Y'all after skiing for 30 years with wide feet, a high instep, and bowed legs, the sport is getting a little uncomfortable - well, unbearably uncomfortable. As we age, our body just bends, and things don't work like they used to. So, being able to only ski one or two runs without your feet going absolutely numb is a very hefty price to pay. After slapping down the lift ticket, rentals, transportation to the resort, ski gear, etc., I'm officially deeper than broke, so we really need to get the most time we can out of this venture. That being said, our whole family loves to participate, so investing in something like ski boots seems a little justified in my mind, as terrible as that sounds.

So off we went to the sports store where, omg yes, everything is on sale! Like big sale. And the ones we got are nothing short of amazing. They adjusted them to the way I stand, the tech geared them up so that I can position myself correctly on the skis in my all powerful bow-legged glory. They are even are HEATED, and I am in heaven.

And I feel like, so totally guilty. But so incredibly grateful.

So after basking in the guilt of the investment, this morning, Zac and I went to our favorite church in South Lake Tahoe. It's led by Mauricio Hertado, and if you ever come this way, please make sure to attend one of his masses. We are moved to tears every. single. time. And today was no different. One of my most favorite passages was the Gospel today - The Beatitudes.

“Blessed are you who are poor,
for the kingdom of God is yours.

Blessed are you who are now hungry,
for you will be satisfied.

Blessed are you who are now weeping,
for you will laugh.

Blessed are you when people hate you,
and when they exclude and insult you,
and denounce your name as evil
on account of the Son of Man.

Rejoice and leap for joy on that day!

Behold, your reward will be great in heaven.
For their ancestors treated the prophets in the same way.
But woe to you who are rich,
for you have received your consolation.
Woe to you who are filled now,
for you will be hungry.
Woe to you who laugh now,
for you will grieve and weep.
Woe to you when all speak well of you,
for their ancestors treated the false
prophets in this way.”

So now, I really want to return the ski boots. I can't wholly justify them anymore. I know, I know, I probably need to allow myself a few earthly indulgences, and I think God grants these to us from time to time. But I can't shake the guilt of buying something I "need" - which brings me to the "needing" standpoint of life.

Do I need these like a poverty-stricken individual needs water?
Absolutely not.

Do I need these so that we can expose our children to something pretty wonderful?
Maybe.

The guilt is tough. It really is. But I know that I will be able to help my family better with this luxury and set a good example of endurance. Maybe, I'm not really sure. But maybe this is a grace from God. Maybe He looked down and felt that my Flintstone feet had been through enough. I'll never own designer shoes - I can promise you that! My feet don't fit in them. They never will. You should see my bulged-out flats. lol But the ski boots hold these suckers together - yabba dabba doo. ;)

So, again, I am in awe and grateful for this little slice of Heaven in the form of well, comfortable feet.

And back to Father Mauricio, in the Beatitudes, he said that "Blessed" means "Happy." And his homily - gosh I wish I had it. But basically he said that it is in suffering that we become truly happy. And no, I won't fully find it in my ski boots. In ten years, I may be dusting them off - who knows, tomorrow I could become injured and never use them again. It's always a possibility. But the happiness I find in God will never be dusted off, even in injury. His love for me and blessings are unending, and the happiness I find in Him brings me true peace.