Enjoy the Ride

Recently my wife and I purchased a couple of mountain bikes with the thought that it would be fun for go for a bike on a daily basis. We thought this would be a fun way to get some much needed exercise. This sounds like a good plan – Yes! Yes, it is a good plan with one small problem, riding a bike takes a lot of effort. At times it is even hard work. It is amazing just how much effort is required to make it up just the slightest hill. I have to admit I have started thinking about routes that don’t have hills and I have discovered that around here that is hard to find.

After several bike rides I have decided to just enjoy the ride. Yes, there will always be hills to climb, but the reward is on the other side. At times it may be a lot of work, but at other times I can coast and catch my breath and eventually all roads lead home. Home is a wonderful place with water, a place to rest and time to reflect on the completed journey.

That’s the way life is too. It is a long journey with its ups and downs. At times it is a lot of work and you think to yourself, “will this ever end?” The answer is yes. At other times life seems pretty easy and you think to yourself, “will this ever end?” The answer is yes. There are times when the relationships in your life are good and you are on the same page with your spouse and children and all is wonderful. Then there are other times when you seem to be at odds with just about everyone around you. Keep pedaling.

Life will present to you and me with a series of challenges and rewards. Some challenges are more difficult than others and some rewards are more amazing than others, but still it is good to know that life has its ups and down. My advice to you is to enjoy the ride. When life throws a huge hill in front of you just attack it will all you have within you. Work harder, pedal faster and don’t stop! Don’t stop because the reward is well worth all the effort and struggle.

Jesus did not come to take away the struggles in your life; he did come to help you through them. As a matter of fact, the only way to completely overcome the struggles of life is by allowing Jesus to show you the path that leads home. Being home with Jesus, now that’s a reward that is worth the journey.

So my friends live a life of hope and joy! Keep pedaling! Enjoy the ride!

Love God. Go Love Others.