inLight Adventure – Lessons While Riding

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

To the beloved, whom I love in truth:  I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers; just as you walk in the truth.

God speaks when we surrender to the desire in our hearts to hear from Him. This is true beyond our “quiet times” – even while we are exercising (or working in the yard, painting the house, etc).

Most of you know that I ride a bicycle for exercise. I also ride to hear from God. As long as I go out most interested in hearing what He has to say, He always says something.

Sometimes we discuss His plans for my work. Sometimes we talk about a decision I have to make, or a situation I am dealing with. Several times, He has shown me a spiritual truth through my cycling. Here’s a recent example:

There is a form to cycling that is most efficient and productive. It varies by individual; and individuals have different keys to help them maintain good form. For me that is “butt back, hips forward and heels down”.

Maintaining form is most difficult when it is most needed. When the hill won’t end soon enough – particularly at the end of a ride – I find myself reverting back to old habits. I move up on the seat, roll my back and start pedaling through my toes.

A Storm is Coming – Don’t Let the Pain Stop You

Storms tend to inflict pain; emotional, physical and mental pain. The pain of loss due to poor foundation (or poor anchor), or damage from a poorly built structure. The pain of watching a loved one suffer from poor decisions. The pain that comes with having something removed that doesn’t belong. This will be our pain; pain we will be blessed to share with someone in our spheres of influence.

Whatever the cause and nature of the pain, God has promised two things:

1. He will be in it with us.
2. He will work it to our good.

Or course, this is only true for those that are prepared to face the pain with faith and courage. I recently learned this lesson while riding my bicycle.

At fifty-five, riding regularly ends with a lot of pain in the legs (no pain, no gain).  This time, the pain began less than one mile into the ride.  I had sensations in my left leg unlike any I have experienced.  It started in my knee and moved from there to my thigh and calf; almost like a double cramp.  It was weird.