One snowy day two years ago, I shared my joy and exhilaration with other skiers on the mountain over the depth of the fresh snow that continued to fall. While I was skiing to a mountainside restaurant to join my husband and children for lunch, one of my skis caught in the deep snow, causing me to fall. As I fell, there was a tearing sensation along the back of my left leg. The leg became completely limp. One of our children was nearby and helped me hop into the restaurant. I was in great pain and began to feel ill, but I was determined not to frighten my family or ruin their last day of skiing.
My determination to be cheerful, peaceful, and in control greatly minimized the concern of the ski patrol, whom I reluctantly summoned to transport me down the mountain. There was a cursory examination and forms to be filled out before they could assist me. They expressed great concern and wanted to take me directly to a hospital. They told me that they had seen many serious injuries similar to mine, and that I would probably need surgery and time spent in a cast. I told them that we were flying home that afternoon, and that I only wanted to return to our lodge so that I could get changed before flight time.
Although I was dreading the long ride down the mountain, strapped to a sled, those were the first quiet moments that I had had. I recognized that the peace and poise that I had been able to express came from my complete acceptance that God is ever present and truly in charge. And I knew that I could express this dominion, no matter what the circumstances. I affirmed that God is the governing Principle of my life, and that my life is the reflection of divine Life, harmonious, joyous, free from harm.
