Life is back to normal. After a week long bike tour, in the mountains of North Georgia, followed by a quick trip to North Carolina, for my daughter’s surgery, I am home and back in the office at Velocity Church. As I look back it has only been about a week and a half, but it seems like month’s ago that my day was normal. However, I could easily get used to getting up each morning and riding my bike for 50 or 60 miles and relaxing all afternoon and evening. But, alas, life is not a bike ride, or is it.
Serving in God’s kingdom is the greatest privilege for me. Getting up each morning, speaking with my Lord, seeking His word in devotion and seeking His will in prayer, is the most awesome opportunity for anyone to experience. Yet, how often we take it for granted. As I woke each day of my tour, I anticipated the early morning ride. The sun would pop up about mile 6 or 7 and even caused me on one occasion to stop for a quick picture. It was as if God were saying, “Good morning world. Have a bright and blessed day.”
Each day on the ride brought challenges to face. Sometimes it was long strenuous climbs. Sometimes with was high traffic areas where you needed to pay special attention to your surroundings. Life also brings challenges each day. Some are job related, others are people related and most seem to sap our energy and require us to pay special attention and seek help from the Lord. And He will deliver–on time and as needed.
Some days on my bike ride included for instance, a 10 mile stretch of down hill riding. Very little pedaling was needed. Coasting was the mode of operation. Boy, was that great. And life is a series of downhill coasts of excitement and joy–if we look in the right places. Joy often comes from serving or giving. Joy comes from slowing down and appreciating all that is around us–family and friends. Joy comes from stooping down to greet a toddler; joy comes from holding open a door for someone at the store; joy comes from paying $ 5.00 towards the meal of the person behind you in the drive through line.
Some days on the bike last week were short–due to hills; some days were very long–due to less hills! In life, we each have 24 hours in a day–no more or no less. How we choose to divide up those hours can make the difference in how much we accomplish in life. Time management requires us to take stock of our hours and minutes to discover where our time it going. On the bike tour, our day was pretty much mapped out for us. Follow the route intended and you will arrive at your destination on time. If you vary or get lost–well, the day could prove difficult. God wants us to prioritize our time for Him. Give Him a portion of your day–early if possible, and He will direct your path the rest of the day. Trusting Him will help you arrive at the end of your days within His will for your life.
Time to close off these rambling thoughts and concentrate on getting my work done for the day.
Paul
