Transformative Experiences That Shape Lives: Skiing Through Culture and Faith

Experiences can be profound. They have the power to transform our understanding, beliefs, and lives. Sharing such experiences with our children can play a critical role in shaping their perspectives and values. In this article, I'll share two transformative experiences I had with my children, specifically my daughter, that dramatically changed their lives for the better.

The Power of Skiing

My passion for teaching skiing to my children began on the snowy hills of Northern New Mexico, in the cherished ski areas of Santa Fe and Taos. By teaching my grandchildren and daughter to snow ski, I not only instilled a love for winter sports, but also imparted an appreciation for the rich Native American cultures that those regions represent.

This experience fostered a deep understanding of cultural differences and led to a greater tolerance for various lifestyles and backgrounds. Learning about the cultural backgrounds of Native Americans during our ski trips helped my daughter and her siblings comprehend the significance of cultural differences and why they exist. At the core, we taught them that all humans are inherently alike, diverse only in their life experiences.

The Gift of Knowing God

A more profound experience than skiing, however, is the gift of knowing God. It is a journey that begins in the early stages of life, nurtured through a series of intentional actions and teachings.

As Christians, my wife and I have dedicated our lives to sharing our faith with our daughter. From playing Christian music while she was in the womb, to ensuring she attended church from babyhood, our efforts in teaching her have been a blend of love, wisdom, and preparation for the larger world.

Our daughter not only attended church and read from a children’s Bible, but also attended mid-week home Bible studies, distance Bible school, and kids' church. As she grew older, she attended youth group and Christian holiday camps. We sought to provide her with a solid foundation of faith by exposing her to a variety of teachings and experiences.

We also ensured that our lives exemplified the values we sought to instill in her. We worked hard to show the importance of marriage, fidelity, and the art of reconciliation. Our imperfections became transparent, yet this transparency helped us teach our daughter the importance of transparency and humility.

The Impact on My Daughter's Life

Through these experiences, my daughter's life was profoundly transformed. Her faith gave her a sense of purpose and belonging despite the challenges she faced, such as being bullied and having a disability.

She learned to love and be loved, and found faith and a purpose in her life. Her faith also influenced her choices, leading her to volunteer in the church community, show concern for the poor, and make healthy choices in her entertainment and leisure activities. As a result, she grew to be a generous, loving, and inclusive person, not dependent on trends or the opinions of others.

Conclusion

Transformative experiences, both culturally and spiritually, can have a profound impact on our lives and those of our children. By sharing these experiences and setting intentional examples, we can help our children navigate life’s challenges with a deeper understanding and a strong foundation of values.