Heart and Soul

I live in a state where you can literally experience the weather of multiple seasons in a single week! This past week has been just that way. Last weekend when I rode it was sunny and close to 70°. Today it was overcast and 38° when I rode.

Last weekend there were so many signs of life and you could feel such a positive energy all around. It was like a refreshing Spring day when people first start to enjoy clear skies, warm temperatures, and enjoy the great outdoors with much less clothing than typically worn in January. I wore lightweight gloves, my regular 3/4 helmet, and no chaps or layers for sure. It was an exhilarating time to ride and I probably rode about 5-5 1/2 hours between the 2 days. I would have ridden longer but I did have other responsibilities to tend to that required my return. 😉

As I relished this time alone it was amazing to experience so many beautiful signs of life. I cherished every site I observed and took in the sounds I could hear over my bike.

I heard the rumble of a diesel pickup taking off and the humming of the wind as it circulated over my helmet.

I noticed late in the day, the majestic shadows of the barren trees as they intertwined on the road in front of me.

There were sightings of raging water as it crashed on the banks of the river below and although I couldn’t hear it, I could imagine the sound it was probably making.

I caught a glimpse of the graceful flight of a hawk as it swooped down to get its prey and flew off, presumably to enjoy it’s successful catch.

There was also the trickling of the remnants of the recent rain water as it vanished into a culvert along the side of the road.

Children were outside playing and one in particular was energetically waving as I passed by which made me smile, and of course I waved back.

I saw groups of bikers as well as many solos and couples riding. The world seemed to be so vibrant and alive everywhere I went.

Today was very different. I had on my warmest gloves, my full face helmet with the shield down, and of course my leather jacket and chaps. I didn’t see anything like the sites I encountered last weekend.

There were no other bikers on my travels and no children outside playing. The skies were overcast, the wind was cold, and there were no shadows to be seen. I still heard the wind as it flowed over my helmet but it was more forceful than last week. Instead of feeling the warmth of the sun on my face, I felt the biting winter air on the slightly exposed part of my neck.

I did see 2 hawks but both were perched on power lines and were no doubt watching for any signs of movement below to mean a possible meal to fill their bellies. What an amazing contrast, simply because of the difference in weather I’m sure.

The activites in nature are obviously affected by the weather and the activities of our lives are as well. I didn’t have a desire to ride 2-3 hours today, but I still very much enjoyed the time I rode. It was still a time of reflection and renewal. The senses were still awakened, just in a different way. The world didn’t seem as vibrant and alive, but it still had its own kind of energy to offer. I’ve never gone for a ride and not felt better upon my return, no matter the length of the ride or the weather conditions.

Many times I’ve seen the following on shirts and signs; 4 wheels move the body, 2 wheels move the soul. For me this is absolutely the case. I can’t imagine not riding, now that I’ve experienced it. This is currently when I feel closest to God and all of his creation. It’s when I can talk to Him uninterrupted and listen for what He wants me to learn, to know, to do and also if there’s something he wants me to share here. The other place I’ve felt this same strong connection to Him, when I’ve been alone, is the ocean. That’s a discussion for another day.

If you haven’t found an outlet, hobby, or activity that touches your heart and helps bring your heart and soul to life, you owe it to yourself and those you love to find it. It can make all the difference in the world.

“Quiet your mind and your soul will speak. ”

Jeremiah 29:13

“And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. ”

Matthew 22:37

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.”

Colossians 3:15

“And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not to men.”