Family valued - 1.11.06

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Going downhill fast

Let's face it. Anytime I'm compelled to get off the couch, I'm outside my comfort zone.

In the past, when my kids whined about wanting to ski, I dodged the bullet due to the expense involved. They can shame me for being lazy, but they can't argue with the checkbook.

Then I heard about special skiing and snowboarding deals at BristolMountain. Like Scout ski nights and Wegmans Family Nights. Before I knew it, I was preparing to sacrifice what's left of my dignity on a mountainside in OntarioCounty.

It's been 25 years since I last careened wildly out of control on my old Rossignol 210s. Thankfully, the newer, shorter skis were easier to handle. The free lesson helped, too. Our instructor patiently imparted the three keys to successful skiing. Three things. Hell, even I can manage that. The elementary school aged kids in the group grasped the concepts readily, too.

Saturdays through March 11, Bristol has Wegmans Family Night. With a Wegmans Shoppers Club Card, a family of three can ski or snowboard from 4 to 10 p.m. for $60. Additional family members are $12. Half-price ski and snowboard rentals available. Free beginner lesson at 5 p.m. Go to www.bristolmountain.com or call 374-6000.

Danny spreads the love around. Swain's got Wegmans Night on Saturdays, too, 4 to 10 p.m. Three lift tickets for $68, three snow tubing tickets for $30. Purchase tickets at Wegmans. Rental discounts available. Go to www.swain.com or call (607)545-6511.

--- Linda Kostin (www.junkstorecowgirl.com)

Cinema family two-fer

The Cinema has Chicken Little and Zathura as a double feature January 11 and 12 7 and 8:25 p.m.; then again as the weekend matinee at 3:15 and 4:40 p.m. Chicken Little is harmless flapdoodle from Disney, and Zathura is a cut better than that, exciting, sweet, smart, and fun. (AW)

The "S" word

...I the LORD your God am a jealous God, punishing children for the sins of parents, to the third and the fourth generation... --- Exodus 20:5

I imagine this passage gives both of us the creeps, invoking as it does the dreaded "S" word, favorite weapon of vindictive demagogues. It is natural to rail against the harsh unfairness of such a god. But the wisdom and challenge of this passage lies not in characterizations of the jealous Yahweh of ancient Semite tradition, but in the powerful warning of the tragic impact of our own offenses.

By definition, sin injures far beyond the one who commits it. That's what makes it so sinful. Think of the effect of adultery on a family: The fallout from such a betrayal flows through generations, creating for children, families, and communities relational issues that often persist. The same can be said for stealing, slander, killing, etc. The sins of previous generations have indeed shaped our world, and our sins will bring hardship to our progeny. Think of the legacy we are leaving.

Have you created more blessings than road blocks? Have you done your best to interrupt legacies of conflict and weave instead an inheritance of love and joy for those who will follow? Tread lightly in life, and avoid those places you shouldn't tread at all.

...never may I live to see my friend or son in want; hitherward let your heart be turned. --- The Rig Veda, Book VIII, Hymn XLV.36

--- Rev. Corey Keyes