Bikeride

I had longed to explore the adventure for a couple of years, and Friday as I was driving down Memorial I thought this is the weekend. So I asked Mel, my husband if he would come along and he gladly agreed, so we were off early on Sat. morning. My goal was just to make it from Memorial and Chimney Rock to downtown, and then catch the bus at the Wortham center, put the bikes on the front of the bus and ride home. His goal was to ride there and ride back!

After making it to the University of Houston downtown campus, I was spent. But he is in great shape and was ready to head back, and I not wanting to be the weenie, toughed it up, gritted my teeth and just kept pedaling. (I will say that the temptation of the bus soon faded for we sat on a couple of rocks a while just taking a water break at Westcott, and one never came.) The adventure was a fun one, it not only satisfied my curiosity but was a great outing with my husband, some beautiful behind the scenes nature settings, and a eyeopener for where some of the homeless people live under the bridges by U of H.

We stopped several times for a break, making use of water bottles attached to our bikes, but on one stop, we found shade under a huge oak tree right before the Sabine street overpass. As I looked at the base of the trunk of the tree, it was as large in diameter as a wheel on an eighteen wheeler, and then it branched out into three large statley trunks, making a countoured statement of strength and stature as it reached towards the sky. The following verse came to mind...though it was not a cord, it was picture to me of the strength that we all have available to us when we allow our roots and base trunk of thought and deed to originate from the God.

Ecclesiastes:9-12
Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

This verse is often used in marriage ceremonies, but it is true in relationships, whether it be with children, friends, coworkers, etc. It references the blessing of companionship. When we are teamed up for any project or any relationship and we invite God to join us in His strength, his wisdom and his direction, we are fortified with His stature and secure provisions. We are here on this earth not to serve ourselves, but to serve God, through God, and with God.

This adventure was just another example to me of how important companionship is. I would have had a hard time making this alone. I needed my husband, I needed his encouragment, his patience, and his direction (literally). I was getting tired and my foremost thought was to get back to Memorial...and head home, so when we rounded the curves under the Aquarium, I made a turn that seemed to be in the right direction, and he followed only for a little while and then said, we need to stop and reevaluate what direction this path is taking us. Good thing. (I was headed down the path that led us to the the ship channel). He was alert and paying attention, I was tired and had gotten distracted. Even in the midst of a simple adventure, God too, was alert and watching as well.

Adventures lead us to unknown territory, and I love that. But what I love even more is having a best friend beside me and my God watching over me. For I know that wherever I go, whatever path I find myself on, I am not alone and God will help me always find my way back, when I have taken the wrong path.

Dear Lord, Oh what fun adventure is. Thank you for being with us, and guiding us and giving me the strength to persevere and make it home. I needed your help for sure. Amen



Praise God wherever you are or whatever situation He has allowed you to be in . . . His glory will shine through!