This winter break I kept my promise to Zane and Daphne and took them to Canada. I was only supposed to take Daphne, but I managed to save up enough for Zane, too.

The trip went great.

We stayed with my sister in her apartment. My family planned everything for me. I told them some key things I wanted to do, and they got it done. Everyday had a new adventure. We went tubing and tobogganing and ATVing and pony riding. We ate out at all my favorite restaurants. We had several family gatherings (and I was reminded of how loud we are). My sister’s lonely neighbor even bought the kids Christmas gifts (the boxes were simply labeled “Boy” and “Girl”). I’m blessed with a good family and good friends who love me. The whole trip was just what I hoped for.

When all was said and done, I spent close to $2500, which is a lot for us. But it was worth it.

When I asked Zane and Daphne their favorite part of the experience, they had the same answer.

Making a snowman.

In my sister’s parking lot.

The first morning.

For free.

Between buildings, the parking lot had a little green space covered in snow. The first morning we were in Canada, Zane and Daphne gleefully ran down the stairs and out the building and just stomped around. I showed them how to make a snowball and roll it on the ground so it would get bigger and bigger. There wasn’t much room. The snowmen were not large. But they loved it.

Yes, they also enjoyed the tubing and horseback riding and ATVing. But what stood out in their minds was the snowman that didn’t require any planning or money.

It reminded me of what Paul told the Thessalonians, “make it your ambition to lead a quiet life” (1 Thess 4:11).

You might think the quiet life is a dull life (I certainly have thought that). But what my kids reminded me is that a quiet life can be full of simple joys and pleasures—if only you have the childlike wonder to stop and see the snow beneath your feet.