The Remarkable Results When We Believe That We Can

In the cold of winter, nestled in a mountain valley not too far from us, lies a magical place built of ice and surrounded in snow. Aptly named the Ice Castles, there are canyons and caverns and caves and towering spires lit with embedded lights that change colors with magnificent, themed music. They’ve created slides and waterfalls and benches of ice and even my favorite snowman, Olaf.

The idea was born out of a desire of a dedicated dad to create something special for his post-California-resident daughter in her new cold and snowy home in the Rocky Mountains. Showing her the benefits of living with her current conditions, he built an ice cave in their front yard, complete with slide. That began a journey that led to amazing ice creations and a thriving winter business.

Happiness is a choice

As wonderful as the Ice Castles are, what I love most is the story of their beginning. Instead of complaining about all the inconveniences of snowy roads and shoveling sidewalks and the bitter cold that often accompanies it, this father taught his daughter to make something positive out of their situation. He showed her to look for what she could do, instead of what she couldn’t. He pointed out the silver lining in what might have been perceived as an otherwise dark cloud and then moved forward working hard and persevering believing that they could create something magical.  And they did!

We are not alone in our efforts

We might find that hard to put into practice when life is difficult and challenging. In the midst of severe trials, it might be almost impossible without the knowledge that God is mindful and intimately aware of our needs and is helping us to follow His counsel to “be of good cheer”.

If the Lord is asking us to be happy and if man is that he might have joy, don’t you think He will help us achieve that goal? In spite of the evil in the world, or the hardships we face, we can accomplish positive and amazing things as we remember the promise in Luke:

“For with God nothing shall be impossible”