park

God Knows

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I went hiking at Radnor Lake State Park after work today. It’s been a while, and with all the damage from the ice storm a few months back, the park looked a bit different since the last time.

At least that’s my excuse. Somehow, I missed a turn or took a wrong turn and accidentally skipped part of the trail. I looked up expecting to see an incline but saw the road instead.

Then I remembered that I’ve had dreams about this sort of thing. I’ll be trying to get somewhere but I can never find it. Plus, in my dreams the scenery keeps changing so it’s basically impossible to find anything.

Life’s a bit like that. One day, you look up from scrolling social media or reading a book and wonder how you got where you are. Maybe you thought you’d still be working at the old job. Maybe you thought you’d be married by now. Or maybe you thought you’d have children by now.

It’s not so much that you’re lost, but you’re not where you wanted to be. Some days, it seems that your dreams are dead and you’ll never get to your desired destination. You wonder how you got where you are and if God is even on the job.

But God knows. He’s never taken by surprised by what happens to you. In fact, He works every little detail in your life for His glorious purposes. Maybe God’s saving you from something you can’t yet see. Or maybe God’s got a better destination in mind for you that you’re not ready to receive just yet.

God is big enough to accomplish all through you all that He requires of you. You need to show up and be prayed up and willing to do whatever He asks. Trust Him and above all trust His perfect timing. He will do it.

I Like to Ride my Bicycle, I Like to Ride my Bike

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This is a fairly close approximation to what my bike looks like. My bike is a year or two older than this one, but essentially has the same look and design as the one shown above.

For about 5 years, my bike was in a dormant cocoon-like state in the garage, yearning for the sweet taste of summer breezes blowing through its spokes. It was a sad and lonely bicycle.

Then one day not too long ago, I took out Max (that’s the name I just now have given my bicycle) and took him for a spin. The first time, I about did myself in and had to lie down for a little while afterward. The next time wasn’t nearly so bad.

Today, I went down to a nearby walking/biking trail and did about 5 laps around the trail. I got a bit sore, but I didn’t get overly winded and I felt good at the end.

My investment in my Giant Cypress DX is finally paying off, 6 years later. And in case you didn’t know, my bike is a 2007 model. Apparently, bikes have different models each year like cars do. Shows you how versed I am in bike-lore and all things two-wheeled.

One day, I’d like to trade up to a newer model bike, preferably one with a carbon frame (since they are much lighter than my current aluminum-framed dinosaur). They are so light, I was able to pick one up with one hand. My left hand, in fact.

But until then I’ll be content to be slummin’ it in my 6-year old bicycle. Seriously, I’m very happy with my bike. I may even get it tricked out with a headlight and a place to hold a water bottle (and maybe even one of those obnoxious bicycle bells).

I’ve come a long way from the days when my sister had to bribe me to learn to ride a bike. Back then, I could be had for 2 or 3 G. I. Joe action figures. I wasn’t too savvy when it came to bargaining, apparently.

What’s the point of all this? Just for you to go and pull your bike out of its cocoon. Pull those roller-blades or quads out of the back of the closet. Go down to your nearest walking trail or park and get some fresh air and exercise. Even if you don’t have a bike or roller-blades or old-school skates, you can still jog or walk.

Trust me, it will do you a world of good.