An opportunity to experience winter driving presented itself the other day. Heading south, we had a few stops to make. On dry roads, we began our boy’s day out with coffee and treats. Our second stop: Indoor golf. Yes. Golf, but for the peace of all readers, this particular discussion must be delayed for another time.
Leaving the ‘links’, we walked into what had become a blurry winterscape. Just one hour had completely transformed the environment - and the drive. Admittedly, it felt odd to be carrying a bag of golf clubs while walking through a practice blizzard. And, brushing a couple of inches of new snow from the car after exiting the 'clubhouse' has also never been my experience.
Carefully, we began the next leg of our journey. Our destination required another 35-mile drive, which eventually rewarded the boys with a 3-story, 70,000 square foot attraction designed for very active (young) people. Myself? I sat in the mezzanine tracking the movements of those with untold energy. I won’t say they moved faster than the speed of light, but I must say that metaphor crossed my mind.
It was a great day, but the story to be told here involves this 35-mile journey.
Driving on snow can be challenging, but not impossible. All Wheel Drive helps a great deal. Slow and easy with wipers working as they should, we traversed the roads with concentrated weather/road awareness but little tension. Well, until I became aware that the tires were rolling, but sometimes, especially with the “extra gust of a crosswind,” I noticed they could also move sideways.
Black Ice.
We were traveling on a metropolitan freeway with several bridges and traffic moving at 60+ miles per hour. Well, NOT me, baby. I’m looking to get off this disaster waiting to happen.
As I was passed by one car after another, I kept my panic in check while seriously questioning if anyone else knew that “rubber meeting the road” was no longer true – the physics of travel had been greatly modified.
We arrived at our destination without incident.
AI tells me that, “Black ice is a thin, transparent coating of ice on a surface (such as a road or sidewalk) that is nearly impossible to see because it blends in with the dark pavement below. Its invisibility makes this an extremely dangerous hazard for drivers and pedestrians alike, often leading to unexpected and serious accidents.”
Looking at it from another point of view, I condensed that definition down to “Out of Control.”
Spend some time watching this video. Caution: Much of the footage is provided by dash cams, so as the events occur, you will hear some ‘expressive’ language. Yes, out of control – appropriate.
Today’s Thoughts
Honestly, I am certain that I sometimes wander this planet unaware that I am treading on life’s black ice. I believe all is well, that I am on track. But truthfully, I am not making any contact with the road. In fact, just one short blast of life’s unexpected winds could blow me off the pavement at any moment.
This past week, I spent time with several messages, both video and print, which served to bring that recent black-ice adventure into focus. These sermons and thought papers are the catalyst for today’s ponderings. Additionally, they have become the basis for my 2026 “Word(s) of the Year” – Black ice.
This year’s guiding principle is to stay awake, focusing on the difficult-to-see but dangerous conditions preventing this mortal from living a moral, ethical, and spiritually centered life. I am determined to keep my tires on firm pavement, moving along the right path, in the right direction, but avoiding the dangers that are ‘hiding in plain sight’.
Reference 1
“We all want to love, but as a rule, we don’t know how to love rightly. How should we love so that life will really come from it? The answer to that question requires wisdom.” (The Center for Action and Contemplation, Arizona)
I thought of all of those cars that zipped past me on that spooky part of the freeway. I considered that some drivers may have recognized the road hazard but failed to act to alleviate the danger. This is where the advice to cultivate wisdom offered the proverbial 2-by-4-to-the-head, “duh” moment.
In this example, wisdom helps us to respond appropriately when we realize we are slipping on the road. We can’t see the danger, but knowing its presence, we then slow down and exit the problem area at our first opportunity.
Spiritually, this is much more than mortal knowledge and its application. This wisdom is not based on our own human experience, but on God’s grace as we navigate this world. It’s this guidance that allows us to stay in control of our lives.
Reference 2
“Poverty is not a problem to be solved for a nameless, faceless group. We are to see God everywhere - in every face, in every life.” He continues by quoting Father Gustavo Gutiérrez of Peru, who notes, "So you say you want to serve the poor; what are their names?" Christmas Sermon, John Marboe
One might think that these two recent references have little in common with each other. Well, my brain found a way.
When considering my 2026 Word of the Year, which involves following the right path, I heard these words.
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this, everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35
This new command exceeds our interpretation of worldly love. The words of Jesus are not directed toward family/friend love that consists of warm, fuzzy, and even butterflies-in-the-stomach feelings. This new love is sacrificial, selfless, unconditional – and difficult. This love is recognized and made possible only through wisdom obtained through the grace of God.
This grace makes it possible for us to be the salt and light in this world of troubles by simply (gross understatement) loving as we have been loved. Our mandate is expressed not only through charitable donations and gestures but must be lived out through personal solidarity in proximity to others, in face-to-face relationships.
In my mind, to live this way of love keeps our tires firmly on the road. The wisdom to see black ice requires us to DO something – to get off the slippery path and back onto the dry pavement. For a full life in God, this is only possible when we reach for the goal of loving everyone.
“If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them.” Luke 6:32 (NIV)
You might be familiar with this verse of scripture. Sometimes, I also find it interesting to read the same verses in "The Message" version.
“Here is a simple rule of thumb for behavior: Ask yourself what you want people to do for you; then grab the initiative and do it for them! If you only love the lovable, do you expect a pat on the back? Run-of-the-mill sinners do that. If you only help those who help you, do you expect a medal? Garden-variety sinners do that. If you onlgive for what you hope to get out of it, do you think that’s charity? The stingiest of pawnbrokers does that.
"I tell you, love your enemies. Help and give without expecting a return. You’ll never—I promise—regret it. Live out this God-created identity the way our Father lives toward us, generously and graciously, even when we’re at our worst. Our Father is kind; you be kind.”
“Black Ice.” Yes. I clearly have a challenging year ahead of me.
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