My husband, Ben, has been mountain biking for years and loves the thrill of riding through fields, around tight curves, up steep rocky hills and going down those same hills. He's good. Very good. Me? Just a beginner. Just recently, we bought a new mountain bike for me that springs like my Springer Spaniel and has wheels as big as a tractor. Not really; but feels like it.
So, this weekend, we went out on our 2nd mountain bike expedition together. Ben was teaching me tricks of the trade as we rode. When to shift gears. How to go down steep hills. Best way to ride the rocks. How to balance. It was pretty fun. As a beginner, I'm really enjoying the smooth, no hills and frills paths that just wind their way through the park. Pretty easy. Not as dangerous. Not much effort to exert here. I know in time, I'll enjoy the more exciting hills, but not yet.
As I was biking today, it occurred to me that mountain biking is a lot like the path of our own personal lives. There are times where it seems like life couldn't be better. Smooth. Everything (job, relationships, family, finances, social life, etc.) is going just amazingly well. I love those times! I want to bottle them up and hope life stays so nice.
But, I've been alive long enough to know that life isn't always so smooth and carefree. The tough, steep, rocky days DO come and we're never quite ready for them. Death of a loved one. Job change. Relational strife. Whatever it is, rocky days are never welcomed. When I started up one of those hills today, I realized I didn't have my bike in the right gear and couldn't make it. I had to get off and walk the rest of the way. Rocky paths can really trip us up. We have to slow down, stop, re-evaluate, make changes to the path we're on. Sometimes, we have to turn around and go back. Start over. That's tough too.
Today, my husband, Ben was quick to check on me the entire trip. He called out ahead and told me what to look for. He told me how to maneuver my bike at certain points. He knows bike secrets. He's pretty good at this. Even when my bike had a technical difficulty, he was able to help bring it back to working order and carry on with our ride.
What a reminder today of our need for God! He delights in bringing blessings and joys along life's path. God is a present and personal God who longs to walk with us through the ups and downs of life. When we're fearful for what's next, He's there to give peace and help. Eventually, we will ALL have those rocky times of life. God's presence during these life circumstances bring hope and encouragement.
As you start this day, would you consider your relationship with God? Would you like to grow closer to God? If so, tell Him! Where do you need guidance? Help with the rocky circumstances that come your way? Wisdom for which path to take? God really does want to help you. Just ask.
"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path". Psalm 119:105
"You make know to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand." Psalm 16:11
Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain for the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.
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