Two weeks ago, I fell hard on the ice while walking Grace. She romped ahead of me in the snow and ice as my feet slipped out from under me. I landed on the icy hard ground. The Farmer’s Almanac rightly predicted that the winter in Denver would experience frigid temperatures; however, it underestimated the level of snowfall. We’ve had snow on the ground since before Christmas.
Snow, frigid temperatures, and the Denver sunshine have combined to turn our walkways into ice rinks. The melting snow of the day freezes through the night causing brick hard paths like frozen streams of ice. Needless to say, walking Grace became an intensely tenuous experience.
Though I had been wearing shoes with deep tread, ice acts as the great equalizer. I walked and fretted over my slipping feet and the unpredictable terrain. That was, until my kids declared that I needed to get ice cleats for my shoes. The silicone rubber frame of the cleats stretches over the base of the shoe and tiny stainless steel spikes offer strong grip and deep traction into the ground surface.
In the same conversation, Gary remembered that we had a set. The ice cleats, an unusual gift given to me by his mothers years ago, hung amongst my clothing . This interesting footwear, which I did not know how to use, hung on a hanger awaiting a useful day. The useful day arrived! It was time to put them to work. Thanks Mom for the game changer gift.
Game Changer – An event, idea, or procedure that effects a significant shift in the current manner of doing or thinking about something.
The rubber frame of the cleats fit my shoes perfectly. Grace and I togged up for our walk and immediately I noted the sturdy frame attached to my feet. We walked our normal route and the cleats dug into the ice and snow with each step offering sure footing and confidence. I found myself walking on the icy terrain with dependence upon the steel spikes attached to my shoes. I felt assured and trusted their usefulness. Walking with these attachments was the game changer I needed for walking Grace. A significant shift occurred within me as I now felt assured of remaining upright and steady.
I found myself wondering about the game changers in life; those gifts, moments, experiences, and conversations that impact the rest of our lives. Some game changers that quickly come to mind include the influential words of a mentor, a missions trip, the birth of a child, illness, heartbreak, a meaningful book, cultural catastrophe, and something as simple as a pair of pull over ice cleats for shoes.
Wonder about the times your life has shifted trajectory. What are some of the game changers in your life?
For me the shoe accessories offered sure footing and confidence. These impacted the way I walked. I began to ponder game changing moments recorded in the Bible. Both the Old and New Testament record abundant game changer instances. A few examples from the Old Testament include the moment Eve ate the fruit in the garden; Abraham’s obedience with releasing his son, Issac; Deborah’s directives to Barak regarding Israel’s battle; and, Daniel’s commitment to God’s promises.
From the New Testament, Jesus gives us the ultimate game changer moment in His sacrifice, death, and resurrection for us. Early followers of Jesus like Peter, James, and John also encountered game changer moments like the transfiguration, Peter’s reconciliation with Jesus, the vision of clean and unclean animals, John’s transport to future revelation, and James’ depth of brotherly love.
Reflect on the Word for game changer occasions. Look curiously at these noteworthy people and places and ponder the impact of these subtle and small shifts.
I find it helpful to look back and remember God’s game changing activity in my life. It causes me to live forward with conviction and confidence. The ice cleats allow my shoes to dig into the frozen earth which impacts my walks with Grace, offering strength and assurance. How am I digging into the Word of God? In what ways do I live aware of God’s strength and assurance empowering my walk with Him? Do I notice God’s invitations through the game changing moments of life?
What about you? How have the game changer occasions in your life continued to impact you? Are you living attentive to the shifts of the Spirit which lead to growth, strength, and assurance in your spiritual journey?
Live attentive to the game changer invitations of God. Allow these circumstances, conversations, convictions, and consolations to pivot your life’s trajectory in ways that honor God and bring about deeper transformation.
Follow Soulcare Anchoress on instagram: soul_careanchoress
Drips from the Word: Muse about these Bible verses. Let these truths impact your living.
Revelation 4:1-3 – After this I looked, and there before me was a door standing open in heaven. And the voice I had first heard speaking to me like a trumpet said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.” At once I was in the Spirit, and there before me was a throne in heaven with someone sitting on it. And the one who sat there had the appearance of jasper and ruby. A rainbow that shone like an emerald encircled the throne.
John 21:15-17 – When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.
Splashes from the Spigot: Drink from deep wells. Read these recommended books to fill your soul.
Gary S. Maxey. Going Deeper with God: Teach Me Your Paths. Lagos, Nigeria. 2020.
Douglas L. Mead. Going Deeper with God: Addressing Challenging Issues in Our Relationship with God. Meadville, PA. 2021.
Sprinklings of Truth: Soak in meaningful songs. Check out these music videos to lift up your spirit.
Hillsong United. Deeper Water. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LAWy6lQES_k
Gabriel Allred & Christ For The Nations Worship. Deeper Places + Lord I Want To Know You More. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ZuYKYtv-hQ
Puddles for Prayer: Thank you for praying for upcoming travel and speaking engagements.
February 10 – Littleton, CO
Breathe Retreat (A two hour spiritual retreat for women) – Join us. Email me for more information.