Today was our shortest mileage day of the whole tour. The winds were still at our backs and the scenery was still beautiful. I also saw a lot of white pelicans and a great blue heron that took flight from the water right in front of me.
I want to take it in, capture it, remember it so I can play it back. I can't, not even with a camera. I've taken lots of pictures, but I know what I'll say when I look at them later-"Why did you take so many shots of that mountain?"-still, I try. The beauty of bicycling through this country is that I am part of it, not separated from it by the containers known as cars.
That's my goal for the ride-to be part of it-to "just ride"-"incarnational biking." It is surprisingly difficult to do. I keep getting in the way. Mostly my ego and my fears. G.K. Chesterton's words fit the ride as well as my life, "How very much larger your world would become, if you would become smaller in it." Today's text in Shifting Gears was the text for my first sermon, "He must increase; I must decrease." When this happens it is a grace. "Just Ride" is like "Swing Easy," so simple and so elusive.
Today I'm praying for that grace.
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3 comments:
You keep going, Jim. I admire your grit. I shoulda signed on to offer you solace each day, but my knee replacement was too young yet.
You are on my mind, good guy. Maybe you will read my blog and find courage surfacing from deep inside of you.
Hank Post
Hi Jim.
Have enjoyed reading your blog. I am glad everything is going well. Just wanted to let you know that we have been thinking of you and praying for you. Have a great Celebration Sunday tomorrow.
We have enjoyed another inch of rain this Saturday morning. It keeps things green here in the upper midwest but must be frustrating to any who planned to bicycle here this morning. Good weather to you!
Blessings to all of you as you pedal.
Years ago we tied a 9x9 tent to a fence in your area - strong winds!
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