Not. Cool.
13 January 2026, Second week of Epiphany
For the last few weeks, I have been ice skating with my parents. If you know me, you might know how crazy this sounds! (I don’t have great body control.) I’m enjoying it.
In order to skate, I use an old person’s walker, which helps with my balance. If I worried about looking cool, I’d be mortified! I’m not: I gave up cool a long time ago. As I have been skating, I wonder about Jesus. He could be the most artistic and technically proficient skater ever. Would He skate with a walker, or stun the rink with his skill?
I’m thinking the walker, because He identifies with the lowly and the meek. “Thou who was rich beyond all measure, all for love’s sake becamest poor.” Thank you, Jesus, that you came in human weakness to save and to suffer with us all. Amen.
I’m so impressed that you’re out there on the ice and enjoying yourself—walker and all. That image of Jesus choosing the walker over the 'pro' moves is really beautiful—it’s such a powerful reminder of how He meets us exactly where we are, weaknesses and all. Enjoy the time with your parents!
I love this post — I keep thinking about it. I'm so glad you and your family are enjoying skating, and I love that you are letting go of "being cool," and I completely agree that Jesus would be out there with the walker as well. Brene Brown talks about the difference between "fitting in" (i.e. being cool) and "belonging" — and I think Jesus helps us to find belonging. And so do you, James! Thank you for your writing.