Day 33: It isn't about the wind

Today was a remarkable day! We biked 93 miles from Minden to York, Nebraska, INTO the wind. It wasn't a light breeze, or a hurricane either, just a strong 15-20mph wind, a two club wind if I was playing golf.

Last night, when Katrina, our weather reporter, told us about the wind direction, there was once again a collective groan. We had just enjoyed a stiff, day-long tailwind; now that same wind would be blowing in our faces. In small group we prayed about being flexible and open to the new blessings God had in store for us, which apparently would not be the same blessings we had just enjoyed.

Most of us left camp earlier than usual to beat both the heat and the wind. I left at 6:45, which means "springing" into action at 5:15. The first hour and 1/2 was calm. Then the winds picked up and my speed dropped from an easy 15-16 mph to a strenuous 11-12 mph.

I tried to look at the wind in the same way I came to see the mountains-a challenge and an opportunity, rather than an enemy. I was riding by myself, chanting some psalms I've committed to memory, praying, and thanking God for the myriad of blessings that I've been enjoying. Negative thoughts would creep in, like, "You're not going to get in till supper time," and "Quit playing mental games and deal with reality; this wind sucks!"

I persisted in putting a positive spin on the wind. No sooner had I prayed, "God, I just know there's going to be a blessing today," than Johnny (one of the stronger riders on the Tour) raced by me, followed by Marti (with whom I often ride). She motioned for me to join them. I was reluctant because I thought they were going too fast, but decided to give it a go. Drafting once again enabled me to ride faster and easier than I could by myself.

After a mid-morning break Marti and I continued by ourselves. She'd "pull" me for a while, and then I'd pull her. Sometimes we'd ride side by side and chat. A good riding day for me will have three components-some time alone, some time knocking out the miles in a pace line, and some relational time. This day had all three.

It was a very good day! Even though the conditions were not so good. The quality of my riding day does not depend on the whimsical movements of wind, temperature, and other external realities; it depends on the attitude I bring to the day. I'm reminded of a quote, though I've forgotten the source, "The mind is its own place; it can make a heaven out of hell, or a hell out of heaven." Today I refused to allow the wind and my demanding spirit to spoil a perfectly good ride.

I think I was helped in dealing with this challenge by a very surprising gift I received last night. A friend from Grand Rapids, Dave Shatto, suddenly appeared at camp, with a big smile and even bigger Payday candy bars. He was "in the area" (which means Nebraska) and decided to drop by to see and support me. What a blessing!

What I experienced last night and today is that "it isn't about the wind; it is about love." Love for God, love for others, and love for self. When the Spirit of love is blowing, nothing, not even a stiff headwind, can spoil the blessing.