Peace

Let me start by saying it’s been an amazing few days! I took a few days off from work and it’s been wonderful. I’ve actually been able to ride 3 days in a row, no rain! That’s great for February in NC!

One day was my birthday and I’ll tell you so far 53 feels great! I rode a long time that day after going to lunch with my hubby and getting my new patch sewn on my vest.

I must say this was the BEST ride I’ve taken in a long time. The weather was fantastic and there was such a sense of peace while I rode. It was totally relaxing and tranquil and I didn’t want to stop.

The last 3 rides have all lead to the same thoughts so I take that as a sign I’m supposed to share it. Have you ever been in contact with people who just never seem to be happy, or who always have negative things to say about others, or act like they’re you’re “best friend ” and then as soon as something doesn’t go their way it’s all your fault or someone else’s? I can say I’ve experienced this many times in my 53 years and the same truth holds true every time. Their behavior and thoughts are usually not really about you, they’re about themselves. They simply want someone else to blame so they don’t have to be held accountable for their actions and decisions. I’m sure we all have that one family member, close friend, or acquaintenance who this may relate to. I’m sure at one time or another we’ve all been guilty of doing this ourselves, I know I have.

I’ve come to realize over time that as long as I feel at peace that I’ve done and said everything I could to assist in any given situation, that’s all I can do.

As I was looking through my dirty windshield riding down the road it reminded me that we can focus on the dirt and gunk in our lives, or we can focus on what’s ahead and where we want to go from here.

If I looked at the water spots and dirt on my windshield, I couldn’t see the road ahead of me. But if I looked past all that mess and instead looked at the road ahead, it was smooth sailing. If I had looked at the windshield, I would not have seen the holes in the road ahead that could have made for a dangerous ride. Looking ahead instead allowed me to see those dangers and avoid them.

Life is the same way, if we focus on the dirt and gunk, we can miss out on the blessings He has in store for us. I’ve thought quite a bit about a “bucket list”, especially since my father in law’s cancer diagnosis.

I am at a point in my life where my bucket list consists of things I’d like to do and there are really no materialistic things on it. I know some people have things they’d like to buy and enjoy before they die, but I simply have things I want to do and places I want to see. Having grown up in a log cabin my daddy built, I’d like to live in one again, but if I never live anywhere besides the home we currently have that’s ok too.

I may never achieve anything on my bucket list, but I have it, and if I can cross off even one item, it will have been worth taking the time to think about it and make it. So many people live day to day with no dreams. I figure if I don’t dream at all I’m just existing, and I want to do more than exist.

I am going to try hard to live each day going forward to its fullest if I can. We never know when today may be our last day. None of us is promised tomorrow. I’ve obviously got more years behind me than I have left in front of me and I am choosing to experience life going forward, not just get through it.

Rain? Sunny days are coming, look for a rainbow.

Wind? It will help dry the rain and can cool you when it’s hot.

Sun? Time to enjoy the outdoors. It may get very hot but this too shall pass.

Clouds? They keep you from the scorching sun.

For every negative, there is always a positive if you choose to see it. Do I always see the positive? Nope, I’m human. I do promise myself to try harder to be more focused on the positive though, regardless of my circumstances or of others. So many people in life try to bring us down and only we have the power to allow it or deny it. What will you choose today, tomorrow, next week?

John 16:33
“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

Cherish your yesterdays, dream your tomorrows and live your todays. ~ Anonymous

Time to ride again and LIVE!