Renewing the Mind

I am so thankful that riding is not included in the “stay at home” order here like it is in some places. I can’t imagine how riding is a problem, but then common sense doesn’t seem to be in abundance right now sadly. I actually saw several groups ranging from 3-20 bikes/trikes riding this weekend in my travels. This has mentally been a very tough week and riding for me was essential.

The sweet smell of honeysuckle and the fields coming to life as corn begins to pop its way through the soil all are signs of normalcy and proof that life goes on. If we would all just turn off and unplug from the daily barrage of negativity the world would be a happier place. We are only shown and told what they want us to see and hear. Gloom and doom seems to be the goal of many and sadly too many are believing it all. I just saw a report today that a study they did claiming it was being transmitted by people with no symptoms was false. They hadn’t talked to the woman in question and now that they have, she informed them she indeed DID have symptoms.

There are plenty of positive stories of giving, healing, sacrifice, and love out there, but that’s not sensational enough for most to report on.

We have had viruses and plagues and diseases all through history and yet for some reason this one is shutting the world down even though more people die from cancer, diabetes, heart disease, suicide and abortion than this. Yes it’s contagious but so are many other things that nobody even pays attention to any more. The overwhelming majority of those who get it, recover. Just like most other viruses, we are going to have to build an immunity to it in my opinion and that can’t be done if everyone is in lockdown. My faith and trust is in God, not man, and I trust only Him and His word. I refuse to live in fear.

As I was riding on Saturday, a thought kept popping in my head. If given the choice, would I want to live the way we are now for 5 more years or live life life seeing whoever and going wherever I wanted for just 1 more year. I would choose 1 year of quality life over the 5 of this limited life for sure. I would rather experience time with my granddaughters in person, than seeing them on a video chat. I would rather experience life daily, than be sheltered. I want to go to the mountains and hike, the beach to walk and watch the waves and places in between to see the beauty of it all. Making memories that last a lifetime and fully enjoying life is worth more than life as a bystander in my book any day. Watching a video of someone else’s ride doesn’t compare to having that adventure for yourself. Watching someone cook a delicious meal isn’t the same as smelling and tasting it. Life is meant to be experienced. We were not created to just sit on the sidelines and fear what “might” happen. If I feared riding because of what “might ” happen, like when a driver in a truck came way over into my lane because he wasn’t paying attention, I would miss out on so many beautiful sights, smells, personal thoughts and conversations with my creator.

I’ve seen quite a bit of wildlife lately both while riding and while at home enjoying quiet time. The animals and birds are carrying on as they always have. Early in the morning I’ve heard geese honking as they fly over, turkeys gobbling, birds singing their beautiful choruses. I watch the hummingbirds, cardinals, mourning doves, finches, chickadees, woodpecker, and butterflies that are attracted to my little nature sanctuary in our front yard. I’ve witnessed a deer, a fox and multiple bunnies passing through. I’ve also seen horses, donkeys, llamas, cows, pigs, sheep, and goats that are now out in pastures where they are able to run and enjoy the abundance of fresh feed/grass in place of their winter hay. The cows are again starting to wade out into ponds to cool themselves on the really warm days. These are all small glimpses of life being lived, without a care in the world.

I’ve had many “close calls” while riding but it will not stop me from going. I’ve been sick and experienced watching others who are sick go through tough times. I watched my own dad go through so many changes due to the health issues he experienced and was with him when he died coming up on 7 years ago. I wish he hadn’t had to go through it, but I’m thankful I was there all along the way with him and that he did still have a decent quality of life almost until the end. There’s much he wasn’t able to physically do towards the end but he still enjoyed his family, friends and church and loved to share his stories.

I can remember one day when he was still driving and getting around good and he’d come to the house in the morning as he often did to see me and the boys. As he was leaving, we were talking about my nephew who would soon pass from cancer at the young age of 22, while serving in the Air Force, 18 years ago this week. My dad told me then he would trade places with Luke if he could. I think he knew that his quailty of life would continue to become less than it was then, and he would have gladly have given it up for Luke to be able to live. Although Luke’s life was short, I can assure you he lived it to the fullest in those short years until the cancer took hold and wouldn’t allow it. As I’ve said before, I’ll take quality over quantity if given the choice. I lived many years that were not the best quality and I am now trying my best to make the best of the time I do have left with those I love. None of us knows how long we’re here for so why not attempt to make every day count? On that note I’m signing off for now and headed on another ride! I’m sure I’ll have more to share upon my return.

Oh my what a blessing today has been! I actually looked at Google maps before riding today because I decided it was a beautiful day to try some place new and wanted a general idea of different roads and where they would take me. Let me just say it was an incredible journey! I rode on some new country roads that made me think and feel like I was home, where I grew up, 1,000 miles away. Some of the roads were very narrow, curvy, and a bit rough which meant slow driving that allowed time to take in even more scenery. The smells of honeysuckle and cattle farms were plentiful and comforting along with the wonderful aroma of someone’s freshly brewed coffee. So many flowers were ever present from deep red and delicate pink knockout roses and colorful pansies to dainty wild yellow buttercups, dandelions, and some other yellow and purple wildflowers I couldn’t see close enough to identify as I passed them. I saw some beautiful flower gardens and got several new ideas for things I may try myself for some additional landscape/yard beauty projects. To say this weekend has been just what my spirit, heart and mind was in need of is a major understatement. I’m so glad that God knows exactly what we need even when we may not and supplies it.

Philippians 4:19

And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Matthew 6:8

…For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him.