The Road to Paradise

It was our first full day in Chico. I was so happy to show my husband my old stomping grounds. A quaint, funky college town in northern California, Chico is nestled nicely in the valley near the Sierra Nevada mountains. For our first day, we decided to do the infamous bike trip to Paradise. Sounds heavenly, right? We started in town, took off through gorgeous Bidwell Park, making our way to Honey Run Covered Bridge. It was there the serious biking began.

It was there we saw a sign: Paradise:6 miles. Not bad, right? The 6 miles, however, were a series of switchbacks with a significant climb. It's been a while since I've done the ride, and of course, I conveniently forgot how hard it was. We finally made it to Paradise and celebrated with a nice lunch at Annie's Country Cafe. Mission accomplished! The trip back to Chico was an unforgettable scenic fast- paced spin down the mountain. Forty five miles later, we were back in our hotel.

The road to Paradise was not easy. Switchbacks. Elevation. Not much flat terrain. But, I kept remembering that Paradise was not far away. Sometimes, we go through seasons where life seems just like that climb to Paradise. One challenge after another.  We just get over one challenge and here comes another. I've been there and so have you. How do we handle them?
Fixing our eyes on God.  In the midst of overwhelming challenges, our focus matters. If it's on the challenge we face, we can cave. But, when we lift our eyes to God, seek His help, WE are changed. No more pity parties. No more complaints about the hills in front of us. However, the majority of us cannot hear anything but ourselves....our self talk. Because of that, we can't hear anything God says. AND we can't hear what God says, if we have no relationship with Him!  How about you?

What challenges do you face this week? Do you believe God wants to walk with you through them? Try Him. He's waiting for you.

"I lift up my eyes to the mountain-where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your feet slip; He who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, He who watches over Israel will neither slumber or sleep." Psalm 121:1-4

Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain for the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.