Today was an easy ride, which was good, because last night was pretty lousy. I woke up around 3 am to the sound of rushing wind and faint thunder. Normally this would not be a concern; I have a good tent. But the clear skies at bedtime had given me a false sense of security, and I had decided not to hassle with the rain fly. This meant that I had no protection from rain.
When I heard the thunder, I went outside, looked up at the sky, and saw......stars. Lots of stars. I used my meteorological expertise to conclude that it was heat lighting and went back to bed. The unmistakable sensation of rain on my face launched me into action. I rushed outside in heavy wind and rain and threw the fly on the tent. Then ran across the schoolyard to protect my beloved Brooks Saddle. When I was finally ready for the storm, the rain stopped. I slept fitfully the rest of the evening.
In view of my lack of sleep, and the previous days' exertions, I did not object to an easy ride. It was surprisingly beautiful. Most of the ride was along the Yakima River, which slices through the world's largest lava flow, covering 200,000 square miles of Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. In places the lava is 2 miles thick! "O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth."
Halfway through today's ride, I discovered that a client's dire warning about rattlesnakes on the road was not entirely without substance. This poor creature was long dead, but at one time it was alive, and on the road. Hmm, maybe I should think twice about that rattlesnake poison kit the client recommended.
Challenging, fascinating, inspiring, humbling, edifying, encouraging, relaxing...so far those are the words that best describe this ride. Thank you Jesus.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
7 comments:
This was my first chance to check the blog. This is inspiring! Maybe you can lead a Holwerda bike trip around the great lakes next year??
happy trails uncle Jim. We will see you in Chicago in a few August!
Always protect the Brooks first and foremost.
Jim, so glad to hear the ride is going well. What a tough ride Steven's Pass sounds like. You should be proud of yourself. I continue to pray for strength & endurance & a restful sleep. My thoughts often stray to you throughout the day, causing me to stop & say a quick prayer. Happy trails, my friend
Nancy S
Hi Jim! We are finally with power and can get on this blog. (almost 3 days w/o electricity)Yesterday we biked up Plymouth Hill, thought about you the whole way as my thighs were burning-Cant imagine what those thighs would've felt going up Stevens Pass! We are praying for you and the group frequently throughout the day-safety, strength, and good times!
Lots of Love,
Sharon
p.s.are your supplies holding out??
Hi Jim - You've inspired me to get out on my bike again! I'm attaching a great biking poem. You may have already seen and shared it. If not, perhaps the other bikers might enjoy it. You are missed at Pine Rest! Jon
The Road of Life
At first, I saw God as my observer,
my judge,
keeping track of the things I did wrong,
so as to know whether I merited heaven
or hell when I die.
He was out there sort of like a president.
I recognized His picture when I saw it,
but I really didn't know Him.
But later on,
when I met Christ,
it seemed as though life were rather
like a bike ride, but it was a tandem bike,
and I noticed that Christ
was in the back helping me pedal.
I don't know just when it was
that He suggested we change places,
but life has not been the same since.
When I had control,
I knew the way.
It was rather boring,
but predictable...
It was the shortest distance
between two points.
But when He took the lead,
He knew delightful long cuts,
up mountains,
and through rocky places
at breakneck speeds.
it was all I could do to hang on!
Even though it looked like madness,
He said "Pedal!"
I worried and was anxious
and asked,
"Where are you taking me?"
He laughed and didn't answer,
and I started to learn to trust.
I forgot my boring life
and entered into the adventure,
And when I'd say, "I'm scared,"
He'd lean back and touch my hand.
He took me to people with gifts that
I needed,
gifts of healing,
acceptance,
and joy.
They gave me gifts to take on my journey,
my Lord's and mine.
And we were off again.
He said, "Give the gifts away,
they're extra baggage, too much weight."
So I did,
to the people we met,
and I found that in giving I received,
and still our burden was light.
I did not trust Him,
at first,
in control of my life.
I thought He'd wreck it.
But He knows bike secrets,
knows how to make it bend to take sharp corners,
knows how to jump to clear high rocks,
knows how to fly to shorten
scary passages.
And I am learning to shut up
and pedal
in the strangest places,
and I'm beginning to enjoy the view
and the cool breeze on my face
with my delightful constant companion,
Jesus Christ.
And when I'm sure I just
can't do any more,
He just smiles and says...
"Pedal."
-- author unknown
Jim - Did you know that you weren't the only Pine Rest guy on a bike tour? Unfortunately, your peer had a fall. Be careful and see below:
Cal Meulzelaar, Director of the Iowa Clinics, fell while on his Renewing Spirits Bicycle Tour. He is receiving treatment in a Wyoming hospital with a broken clavicle and several broke ribs. He will be returning to Iowa after release from the hospital. For more details consult Cal's blog which can be accessed on the Pinenet page. Pray for Cal in his healing and disappointment: thank God for the protection he experienced...including from his helmet.
Thank you.
Hey Uncle Jim,
Great to see pics of you and hear of your magnificent and grace-filled trip. I've gotten very into biking the last year and can appreciate your ride up Steven's pass as I've ridden some mountain roads out here in Colorado. Lot's of pain, but lot's of fun on the way down. We'll be praying for you along the way. Hopefully we can see you when you're in Colorado.
Kevin HH (on behalf of Mel and Zoey also)
Post a Comment