Winter Solitude
In the morning, long
before daylight, Jesus got up and went out to a lonely place to pray.
- Mark 1:35
 Skiing through the forest after a
heavy snowfall at camp is an amazing experience especially if you are all alone. The
skis make the most noise as they slide over the soft snow "swish, swish, swish,
swish."  On this day there seems to be nearly a
foot of snow blanketing the ground and my boots remain covered in snow as I move along
down the path between Cherry Lodge and the Outdoor Chapel.
As I glide around the bend
into the river bottom I see a few small birds dart away chirping out a warning as they go.
The sun shines brightly on the snow and glistens off the water of the river which
steams a bit in this cold air. The snow is nearly blinding if one looks towards the
sun. It has been cold for over a week now and ice is forming along the edges of the
river. Deer tracks are easily seen in the deep snow and deer trails lead straight to
the river. It is clear the deer have been crossing the river and exiting up the
opposite bank, but probably not before taking a drink in the river as they go.
 Even
though it is cold today, that doesn't matter much as I move along heading south at a good
pace. I arrive at the A-Frame bridge and stop to take a few photos. Snow lays
thickly on the rocks in the river like white bundles surrounded by the moving water.
The snow fell yesterday and without any wind in the valley it still rests undisturbed and
clean.
 I have to put my gloves
back on after taking a few photos because of the bitter cold. After climbing up a
steep bank along the river I put my skis back on and continue along the river below the
looming rocks above along the Grotto Trail. Shadows falls curiously across my path
in the snow from the bare trees that cover the valley. I could probably spend a fair
amount of time just photographing the shadows themselves on a day like this. The
sound of the water in the river draws me back towards the streambank. I stand high
above the river looking northwest towards the A-frame bridge now quite a ways back and
around the river bend.
Jesus said, "Those
who believe in Me, as the scripture has said,
from their innermost being will flow springs of living water."
- John 7:38
 One
last photo and I'm off south again skiing out of the valley and up towards the LT cabins.
After skiing for 20 minutes I'm exhausted, but soon I break into full sunlight out
on pioneer plains near the big fire ring. It looks empty and forlorn here in the
middle of winter without a roaring fire and a hundred kids singing and laughing underneath
the stars. It's amazing how a place apart like Ewalu can be so life-changing for so
many of us. It's those campfires, nights under the stars, and late night talks with
counselors and friends that have brought me to where I am today. It's why I am
standing here now alone in the middle of this snow covered prairie remembering summers
gone by.
I continue on my way across
the open field and back north towards Cedar Lodge. It's getting colder as the sun
dips lower in the sky. A northwest wind begins to blow snow across the field and
into my eyes. I ski on now without stopping, intending to make it all the way back
to main camp without a break. I know a warm fire, good friends, and a cup of hot
cocoa will be there to greet me upon my arrival.
The ski tracks in the snow are
a reminder to me of the path of faith that God calls all of us to take. Personal
strength, spiritual renewal, and inner peace are waiting to be found in the journey of
solitude. Why not take a moment today to escape to your place of prayer. The
Psalms are an excellent way to help you get there. Try Psalms 23, 63, or 103 as you
journey on your way. God's blessings to you!
 By Paul
Frantsen
Camp Ewalu
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