First tracks

It was a day of fresh, untracked powder that I’ll never forget. Crested Butte had been hammered for several days with storms. My son John and I had driven over to the ski area to spend the night, not imagining we’d see 30 more inches of fresh powder fall as we slept.

Rising early, we were the first up the lifts. We skied over to one of my favorite runs, only to find a rope blocking access. Just then a ski patrol appeared and said, “This is your lucky day.” He pulled the rope down and said, “Have fun!” We nearly disappeared into the waist deep powder.

Perhaps you’ve had a “first tracks” kind of day. Maybe it was Big Mountain (sorry, showing my age … I guess I should say Whitefish Mountain) or Blacktail. Maybe it was a day out in our own valley. There is something special about heading out on untracked snow – unspoiled and pristine. As you look ahead at your untracked vista, whether on snowshoes or skis, it can be a sacred experience. But it’s also hard breaking trail. Even breathing can be an effort. You can’t depend on those who went before you because no one has! It’s just you and the potential of what lies ahead. First tracks for you may be a path across your living room to your favorite chair; an untracked morning of quiet solitude.

The untracked mornings minister to the soul. Ann Voskamp says, “Hurry always empties a soul.” Untracked snow has a way of slowing you down. It focuses your attention as you scan what’s ahead of you. But you have to rise early to get first tracks – if someone else doesn’t beat you to it, the animals will!

Mark 1:35 says, “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place where he prayed.”

First tracks on the mountain, across a meadow or across the living room speaks to our spiritual life. Rising early, no clutter, a chance to make our mark on the day. How you start the day will determine much of what lies ahead. It determines the direction of the day. It softens your will to go in the direction the LORD leads. His will, His path, His purpose.

Matthew 6:33 says, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well.”

I’ve found it to be true that when I put God first, he blesses. When He’s first in my relationships, He blesses my relationships. When He’s first in my finances, He blesses my finances. And when I put Him first in my day, He blesses my day.

First Tracks are an opportunity to focus on the One who made this day possible. So get up early to beat the crowd. Make first tracks, with Jesus.