Tackling a century ride (mine was a metric century – 100 km) is akin to climbing a mountain. You do it because it’s there – the goal is it’s own reward. Or at least, that’s what I kept telling myself during the freezing onslaught of wind and rain. It’s easier to amuse yourself with thoughts of the finish line when enthusiasm and energy is still strong, however.

Someone once said that the size of your commitment can be measured by what it takes to stop you. By the time my three riding companions and I had reached the first rest stop at 25 miles, the strongest rider weighed in on the size of his commitment. Frozen fingers bested him. He packed it in. Before the day was over, more than a thousand others would join him.

Admittedly, when he bailed, I had second thoughts too. I might have been easily swayed to the comforts of a nice bath had my friend Andy not shown his resolve. He was my inspiration to endure and claim my prize. We may have been nuts to continue, to risk hypothermia, but because I did, I not only reached my goal, but I picked up a few reminders as well.

You do a lot of thinking over hours of pedal churning when the wind and rain are against you. I thought a lot about quitting. I really was nuts. Yet, every once in awhile I’d look up from my hunkered down position and see Andy, pedaling like a metronome. His presence inspired my grind. Who can I help keep going by being a constant companion in the storms of life?

When we turned into the wind, I thought about drafting. As the stronger rider, Andy silently encouraged me to follow in his draft by slowing his pace to mine. By tucking in behind him, his body acted as a shield from the headwinds, allowing me to preserve my energy for the long haul. Professional cyclists call it a slipstream and they use it, too, to nab their prize. Had Andy not slowed to my pace, I would have tired more quickly and may not have finished. Am I aware of the needs of those around me or am I oblivious as I race ahead?

When we crossed the finish line, I thought about gratitude. Certainly I was thankful the torment was over, but even more so, I was grateful for my riding companion who helped me endure. In my own personal storms, who can I express gratitude to?

My wife was right. It was nuts to be out there. But I was fortunate. I had a draft from the storm, and something more. I had new resolve to be a better draft for others.

SOUND OFF: How have you been helped by someone’s draft in difficult times?

Share/Save

What better way to begin this day, than to jump on the bike for a long ride?  I was glad I hauled it along for our two week vacation from the deep freeze.  So I set out, with one goal — to pray during the entire thirty-one mile route.

That distance is not hard when you do it regularly.  Unfortunately, it had been too many months since I was last out.  So, the first five miles were easier on prayer than they were on the legs.  ”Lord, help my legs!”  A simple plea thrown in between pedal strokes and prayers of intercession for others.

Soon, I was warmed up and feeling better.  I also found myself drifting from a spirit of prayer into thoughts of work, the trip back home, the electrical short in my basement that occurred just before I left.  Thinking about anything was easier  than what I had set my mind to do.

Abruptly and out loud, I halted the mental cacophony, “Back to You, Jesus.”  Somehow that declaration brought me back to the Throne Room and I felt joy again as I resumed my time of prayer.  For a few more pedals at least.  Then more rushing thoughts.  Things to do.  Brilliant product ideas.  ”Geez, I need to capture these somehow.”  Once more, “Back to You, Jesus.”  I must have made that declaration nearly a dozen times during that ride.

I remember long ago reading the marvelous book The Fight, by John White, and his suggestion to thank God when we discover we’ve drifted in prayer because that discovery is really His hand of rescue.  We would naturally drift forever were it not for God’s grace bringing us the awareness of our disconnection.

Reflecting on that ride, I came to the realization that my declaration needs to be applied to more than my interrupted prayer times.  When I get discouraged that a business deal I was counting on, didn’t happen, its “Back to You, Jesus.”  When my car breaks down and costs me more time and money than I can afford, its “Back to You, Jesus.”  And when I received praise from someone for something I did, its “Back to You, Jesus.”

Yes, there’s no doubt 2009 will have it’s challenges.  My choice is to give it back to Jesus.  I’ve declared it to be my theme for this year.  ”For from him and through him and to him are all things.  To Him be the glory forever! Amen!” (Romans 11:36 NIV)

SOUND OFF:  What’s your theme for 2009?

Share/Save