Month: October 2014

My Mom and I took a long bike road. We ventured to Ada and read the course description.

How could we pass it up? It sounds like a beautiful ride on a fall sunny day. It warned us it may be hilly and we ventured boldly in that direction.

The first hill was big. We considered it was harder because we weren’t really warmed up. The second hill was hard….

How could every hill be going up and not seem to have a down hill on the other side? As we biked on, I saw a big downhill ahead. I love down hills and for a moment I felt such joy. And then I quickly began to consider the up hill on the return. I almost stopped to ask my Mom if we should keep going. Maybe I really did voice those words. My Mom, who is a great believer of anything is possible, said let’s keep going.

I began the long descent. I felt the joy of downhill and I realized I almost missed this joy on the ride. I almost allowed the work of the ride rob me of the joy. I thought about this as we ventured on. Where in life do I stop short because of my fear of what else might be required? Where do I spend too much time thinking about my reward instead of giving 100% to the investment? I wonder if you ever miss the joy because the work feels daunting.

Today’s uphills and downhills reminded me to stay focused on the moment and to believe that I have what it takes. And as we walked a little bit here and there, my Mom reminded me there is no shame in walking. And I smiled and nodded. I thought, just keep moving and we will complete our task.

I hope to get a ride in tomorrow and maybe even hit some hills, both up hills and down!

It was a fun ride today, it was a beautiful day and as we drove off, I realized this is a bike ride that gives me lessons for my days and weeks ahead.

 

 

I am so grateful tonight. I am sitting in the living room of a friend. We shared a good hour of conversation and we laughed and we wept. We reflected on God’s goodness and his presence and we marveled at the journey of our friendship. We have come through difficult times where we both had a greater desire to be understood than to understand. We can speak of those times now and recognize how we missed one another. We can reflect back and know that the strength of today is because we committed to working through when we were at odds. Over the years, we have sat with friends who helped us to hear each other. It was not easy and it was very worthwhile.

And now I reminded her that healing will come from rest and told her I would sit quietly next to her while she slept. She had ACL knee surgery today and between anesthesia, pain medication and the need for healing, it felt best to invite her to silence. And as I sit at her side, I am filled with gratitude.

My friend asked me to come and be with her tonight while her husband went to their daughters band concert. I had no idea the time would be so sweet. I am grateful she asked for what she needed and I am delighted I have learned about being available. There were years in the past that being still or sitting in the presence of a friend felt intimidating. I am grateful for the healing of my own heart over the years that allows me to simply be….

And as she sleeps, I am praying for quick, pain-free healing and a quick return to the playful and honest presence she beautifully offers to so many. Rest and heal and be cared for my sweet friend Janet. You are loved by many and we look forward to your return to everyday living after you heal. I am very grateful for your friendship in my life.