The strangest thing happens here at the base of the ski mountain every day at 3:00 pm. They hand out big, warm chocolate chip cookies. For free. To everyone who asks.

They push their cart out filled with cookies, and a long line of small children scampers along behind. But it’s not just the small ones. No, groups of winter-clad skiers of all sizes begin to collect in anticipation of the distribution. Then, at 3:00 many chefs hoist trays piled high with cookies and assume their places. One by one they put the cookies in folks’ outstretched hands. No one grabs. Some ask for two.

Yep. I was among them. I received my cookie and stepped aside to let others. I watched as the tray was depleted of its treasure and felt sorry for those who missed the 3:00 curtain call. The chef left with her empty tray and then re-emerged with another tray piled high. Then another. And another.

Soon, the crowds began to thin allowing even the small and the mild to get through for a cookie. It is really something to watch the behavior of people receiving a gift that is offered willingly and in endless supply. Some hurried to “get theirs” but they need not. Some waited patiently and were not denied. Some came back for seconds or more. One Mom told her child he could take “as many as they would give her.” Some shared with a sibling. And some just nibbled happily because they were hungry and now they were satisfied.

Isn’t it interesting how people respond in the presence of grace?

Of course I, the sport scientist, concluded that this was a clever injury prevention ministry on behalf of Beaver Creek resort. Enticing the days’ skiers to come down the mountain a bit early to find some sustenance and take a short break when they were just starting to tire, not after they were completely exhausted. I’m told that 50% of the injuries happen in the last hour of skiing.

Cookies after a long day of skiing are just happy-making.

Isn’t that clever of grace? It has so many life applications. You just can’t help smiling and saying thank you.