Privileges

This word has popped into my mind on many rides recently, today’s ride being the most recent. What some see as a privilege, others see as something they take for granted, like it’s their right because of their heritage or because of who they know.

Personally I feel privileged to have a hubby who supports my solo rides. He knows how much it helps me to clear my head and to relax and refocus. Of course it also means he will be privileged to get at least an hour of peace and quiet because I rarely ride for less than an hour. 🤣

Yesterday’s ride was spectacular. I left planning I’d go one way but as is often the case I changed my mind once I started out. That’s why I love having a tracker on my phone I can turn on so my hubby can see where I’m at if he chooses to, if he ever gets worried when I’m not back yet, or if something unfortunate were to happen and I couldn’t call him to let him know. I think it’s more peace of mind for me knowing he has that access than it is for him, but I’m glad it’s there. It allows me the freedom of riding wherever I want to once I leave home and not feeling locked in to a specific ride ahead of time. Part of the beauty of riding is the spontaneity and the feeling of no responsibility to anyone during that time; I feel like that too is a privilege.

In my last blog I mentioned the Fall leaves and how most of them were pretty dull. Riding this weekend I saw some trees and bushes with so much more color. I saw vibrant yellows, bold reds, and some striking oranges. Mix all of those in with the lush evergreens and it makes for some amazing beauty. God’s artwork never ceases to amaze me!

While riding this weekend I also saw some fluorescent orange hats on some men who were parked off the road a ways in a wooded area. I knew right away they were getting ready to head out into the woods deer hunting. That stirred up memories of my childhood once again. I can remember those cold Fall mornings in N.H. getting ready to go hunting with my dad and others. I can remember listening on the way to the hunting spot to what I now call “old time” country music; Willie Nelson, Grandpa Jones, Mac Davis, Charlie Rich, Johnny Cash, and so many others. I’ve recently been listening to some of those old songs on Sirius radio and they too bring back memories. I can remember when no matter how rough a week may have been, my mom and dad often went dancing on Saturday night. They loved to square dance and just dance together to have that time with each other at the end of the week. I loved to watch them dance when we got to go along.

I also now feel privileged to be able to write this blog to share my ramblings with others. I know that freedom of speech is not allowed everywhere and I don’t ever want to take that privilege for granted. I recently looked at some statistics from my site and was in disbelief at how many people from other countries have seen this. I never in my wildest dreams thought it would go outside the U.S. but it has. The last time I looked it had been viewed in 22 countries this year, that boggles my mind. Whoever has said and believes that 1 person can’t make a difference, needs to think again. I’m not saying I’ve made a difference in 22 countries, but having received some comments and notes from some of you I know that it’s affected at least a few people. I also know it has affected me, just by being able to write it down. I’m the type of person who remembers things better once I’ve written them out. I used to study for tests by writing things down, rather than just reading it.

Having said all of that I simply encourage each and every one of you to take a few minutes to stop and really think about what privileges you may have that you may take for granted every day. Life is short and we need to make every day count.

Psalm 90:12

So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.