Just Do It

I woke up this morning and thought I must be dreaming; there was actually sunshine, and not the liquid kind!! This has been an incredibly wet year which is not the kind of weather anyone who rides wants. I can handle cold, heat, and wind but rain is not fun riding. I knew I was going to ride today one way or another but I also knew it meant taking a chance. In order to get my bike out I knew I would have to deal with the wonderful mud. ( insert sarcasm🙄) There is currently mud right where I have to back out of my building, once I am off the ramp that leads into it, and also in our driveway. I knew it was going to be a challenge, but also knew it would be worth it once I could get to the road. I’d either drop it and have to pick it back up to ride or I’d succeed to maneuver in the mud without dropping it and ride, either way I was determined to go.

Thankfully the latter was the case, I did not drop it! I definitely slipped and slid a bit and got myself and the bike dirty, but both will clean up. When I was growing up, sunshine meant being outside. Now that I’m older it still means the same. I can’t stand the thought of staying in if the sun’s out and it’s a pretty day. The mud was a challenge but it wasn’t stopping me today, I’ve waited too long for the sun to reappear.

Once I got out on the road it was wonderful. The wind was blowing a bit but it was still a beautiful day to be on the bike and get some much needed “alone with God and my own thoughts ” time. As I started out I wasn’t sure which direction I wanted to go as usual, but I had a full tank of gas so the possibilities were endless. Soon after my ride began I thought about an article I read about a young man that died last week riding his bike not far from where I was at. I decided to head that direction although I wasn’t sure why at the time. I didn’t know exactly where it occured but it became obvious when I saw the flowers and memorial in a yard just off the edge of the road. As I rode by my initial thoughts were of the sorrow his family and friends must be feeling. The more I considered what might have happened to cause this tragedy, the more my focus changed. Although he was taken so young, at least he died doing something he loved according to what I read.

How often do we hear about people who work their entire lives and save up money so that once they retire they can travel or do things they’ve always dreamed of? And how often do we hear of people becoming very ill or dying soon after they finally retire, before they are able to fulfill those dreams? That’s exactly why I choose to ride now every chance I get. We are not promised tomorrow and we never know when our circumstances may change and our lives may unexpectedly take a turn we didn’t see coming. Every day is a chance to do what we love, so if there’s any way possible, just do it. I personally don’t want to continually live my life thinking, “What if….” The older I get the more determined I am to try to live life to the fullest.

This past year has been a challenging one for us physically, mentally, and financially in many ways but it has also been amazing to see God’s blessings in the midst of it all. He has seen us through it and has provided in every way. I honestly wouldn’t change it if I could. We have been able to spend quantity and quality time with each other and with our families that would not have been possible if my hubby had remained at the job he was at, especially once they moved him from 2nd to 3rd shift. Life is good, even when it may not seem it at the time. As they say, hindsight is 20/20.

As I continued to take in the scenery, I saw creeks and rivers that had previously overflowed their banks from the recent rains and the debris that was left behind from the powerful water. I saw small “ponds” in fields that normally are not wet, parking lots and driveways in need of repair from water damage and various other signs of mother nature wreaking havoc the past few weeks. I felt the cool crisp air as it awakened my senses. I enjoyed the warmth of the sun as it shone on my face. The weather was gorgeous for January and I was soaking it all in while I could. If I could have ridden the entire day, it would still not have been long enough, but it was an amazing and much needed time away spent enjoying the beauty of nature that I often take for granted in my car.

After riding for almost 2 hours it was time to go home. My coffee had definitely worn off and it was time for a bit of nourishment. My heart, mind, and soul were nourished and now my body was requesting some as well. After getting a snack and giving my bike time to cool down, it was time to wash some of the mud off before putting it away for the day. As I looked at how dirty it was it made me think about how we may see others or even ourselves sometimes. My bike on the outside was pretty nasty, but it ran like a charm. It’s what was in the bike that mattered, not what was on it. No matter what we or others may look like on the outside, it’s what’s in our hearts and minds that matter. You never know what goes on in anyone else’s mind or life, so accept them for who God made them and know that what’s inside is what counts the most. Sometimes we have to just get past the “muddy” exterior to get to the heart of things. The past is behind and the future may never come so live for today. Live life to the fullest, love others, and laugh often. Life truly is short when you really think about it, don’t waste another minute thinking about “What if”, just do it.

Psalms 118:24

“This is the day which the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”

Philippians 4:4
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.”