Storms and choices

I have been on vacation the past few days which has allowed for extra riding time, and that’s always a good thing. Its the best medicine there is mentally. Twice while riding there have been “pop up showers” to deal with. Once was when my hubby and I were riding on the longest ride we’ve taken together since I learned to ride. Even though there were a couple showers along the way, I wouldn’t trade that ride for a million dollars. Quality time with him is worth more than gold. I don’t know if any of you have heard of or read the book by Gary Chapman titled, “5 Love Languages.” If you haven’t, I highly recommend it. I read it many years ago and discovered the love languages for many of my friends and family and also myself. Mine is a combination really of acts of service and quality time. If my husband does a load of laundry or even better goes for a ride with me, that is worth more to me than anything he could buy me or anything he could say to me.

I’ve learned as I get older, the importance of making and taking time to spend with those we love. We are not guaranteed another minute, let alone another day. How many of us wish we had just 1 more time to say something to someone who is now gone? I know I do. I try to never miss a chance to tell loved ones that I love them. I never want them to have any doubt about that. God tells us in His word that he wants us to be close to Him, to come to Him with our worries and our thanksgiving. James 4:8 tells us, ^“Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world.” He wants us to spend time with Him, just like we want to spend time with loved ones or want them to spend time with us. I know I have to keep my focus on Him, and not the world or my entire thought process becomes twisted.

I mentioned earlier that twice when riding recently I have experienced “pop up showers.” Well actually the one today was more than a shower. I saw the skies suddenly darkening, so headed back towards home sooner than planned and hoped I would beat it. I’m not sure if I have mentioned this before or not, but I say a prayer every time I get on my bike before I ever leave home. Today was no different in that respect, but I was talking to the Lord for pretty much the entire last 15 minutes of the ride.  I was almost home and as I was riding down the road, I could see dark skies on either side of me. At that point I thought about Moses and the Red Sea as it was parted for safe passage. Then all of a sudden I had to make a turn onto another road and well let’s just say the sea was no longer parted! I was getting pounded by rain that had quite a sting to it as it hit my flesh, was quite loud as it hit my helmet and was also hitting my face shield. I was very thankful for my windshield that protected me from the worst of it making it easier to see than it would have been without it. I am just as thankful for God who shields me from so many things in this life that could make things worse. I soon was being hit also by strong gusts of wind and as I mentioned I was talking with the Lord all the way home at this point. I kept my focus on Him and the road ahead. It would have done no good to look back, I had already been there and whatever was behind me no longer mattered. I simply slowed down and trusted in God to get me home safely, which He did. I promised Him if He got me home safely I would stay there tonight. So even though the storm has passed,  I will resist the urge to ride again tonight. I instead will keep my word.

When the storms of life come our way we need to do the same. He never promised smooth sailing. He did promise He would be with us through the storms though. Even Jesus set aside time to pray as he faced his own trials and tribulations. His life was not without storms, even though he was not a sinner, so why should ours be? We just need to keep our focus on God and know that He is there. He has helped me weather many storms, and I know in my heart He will continue to do so. I cannot focus on the past, just like I couldn’t focus on the road behind me coming home. It serves no purpose. I need to learn from it yes, but focus on it no.

Casting Crowns has a song, “I will praise you in the storm.” I recite/sing this song to myself a lot and I will praise Him through all of life’s storms. I know He will not leave me, but He will carry me even when I  cannot carry myself.

Deuteronomy 31:6 “Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.”