Taking Time

Have you ever had a time where you just wanted to run away and not be in contact with anyone, or just be invisible? I think probably at some point in our lives we have all had that feeling or that thought at least once.

Recently I had that feeling and although I couldn’t run away I could ride! The weather for a couple of days was actually co-operative considering it’s March. The wind was gusting some but not enough to keep me from riding for the most part and the seemingly never ending rain was taking a much appreciated break. I was able to get in 3 rides alone,  then got a bonus when I got to ride once with my hubby as well.

If you’ve read some of my recent ramblings, you’ll know that I can now turn on an app so that my hubby will be able to locate me if needed. Well on these rides I didn’t turn it on. In my mind at the time that meant not being invisible and alone. Looking back that was probably not a smart choice,  but thankfully it wasn’t needed. The good Lord kept me safe.

I simply wanted to ride as if I didn’t have a care in the world or any responsibilities. Sometimes we just need that time to unwind, clear our minds, and get refocused,  at least I do. As I rode I felt my mind going “blank” in a good way, instead of a million thoughts racing through. As I looked around there was so little color. The skies were gray, other than a few pink flowering trees the trees were naked and looked lifeless, the daffodils no longer had pretty flowers on them,  there was no sign of the yellow sun peaking out of the gloomy clouds, and things just looked relatively boring. This actually turned out to be helpful though as there was little to look at that encouraged wandering thoughts. I was able to truly clear my mind of all the day to day clutter that seems to sneak in.

I thought about how Jesus took time to be alone and pray. I often feel guilty about making and taking time for me but why is that? If someone as perfect as Jesus needed it, why do we feel guilty if we also need it? Maybe for those of us who have had children it’s because once we have them,  all of our focus turns to them and their needs. Then even when they’re grown we want to help them as well as our grandchildren, our spouses,  and our parents as they are aging. I cherish the fact my health is good enough to be able to do all those things and am very blessed to live close enough to do that!

With that being said, there are just those days sometimes when the best way to help others, requires getting away and getting refocused and re-energized. Riding has become the best way for me to do that.

Matthew 6:5-6   And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full.  But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret will reward you.

Psalm 46:10   Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.

Mark 1:35  Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place,  where he prayed.

Matthew 14:23 After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone.

Luke 5:16   But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.

Whether you ride or not , I encourage to find a way to take time for you. You might be surprised how much better you feel once you get past the guilt and spend quality time alone with your thoughts and with God. I wish I had learned it sooner, but as they say, “Better late than never !”