All of the GREAT Riders went back to their former lives, today, as if things were like they used to be. But things had really changed. Today the Riders began "Life After the GREAT Ride." And, to those who welcomed them back it was as if things could return to normal. But, all of the sameness in the "as if" was not the same. It may have seemed the same but for the riders (and perhaps the rest of the team) things had changed. We had dreamed a dream. We had believed it - even in our unbelief. And, it had been achieved. What is better is none of us had achieved it on our own. We walked into work today among people who may have thought we achieved a physical goal. The thing we could never explain to them was that it involved far more than merely the physical and it was achieved by the God of the universe.
The direction the unfurled flag is waving will always seem to have significance. The width of the shoulder will be worthy of note. The surface of the pavement is important. The slope of the road matters now. Things have changed.
The spirit of discouragement of a friend has become more important. The condition of the things that impact the lives of those you are with are worthy of note. How your choices impact friends and family seems more important. Things have changed.
The idea that something significant can be accomplished in small increments has become real. Commitment to a live with an outward focus seems possible and important. Memories that are being placed in the minds of our children and grandchildren challenge us to higher, nobler actions and choices. Things have changed.
The GREAT Ride Day After . . . life is sweeter, hope is stronger and grace is more amazing than ever.
4 comments:
I'm glad to have been a part of a truly GREAT ride with a GREAT group of guys. You guys inspire me!
This was quite a week. I did the ride to loose some weight and gained 8 pounds! I thought we were doing great stuff and then we met Pierre, riding alone from Canada to Bolivia- humbling! I hate when God does that!
I thought this would be a once in a lifetime adventure and it was! We saw things, did things and enjoyed God's creation as never before. The sunrises were beautiful! The laughter was contagious. The memories we created will last a lifetime! The friendships will too!
The more days that passs since the Great Ride the more outrageous it seems. Was that really 9 days? 600 miles? 10 Dairy Queens? 5 Amazing Grace's.... it was. More amazing is the way God protected us. Only 2 minor "accidents." DP blowing up a tire and getting goo all over himself (is that really an accident?) and Ron falling with his bike twice- both tiems as he was restarting (there is an Aggie joke there somewhere).
Even when we tried to hurt oursevles (DC walking into the wrong hotel room- even after I told him to stop!) or "just 1 more hill Mike" trying to do the ride in one gear (come on Mike there are 27 of them- we finally did use them all!).
Of all the things that could have gone wrong, nothing did. And when we did put our SAG Bridgett in the hospital- God provided Phillip (also known as "just count three gates and your there" Phillip) - what he didn't tell us was that 3 gates equal 6 miles!
I want to thank my fellow riders for the great memories- the stories will get better as we get older. I didn't know 4 white guys could be so much fun!
I was "amazed" at the level of support we received- so thanks to Beth, Phillip, Linda, Melissa and Maralyn- without you guys this could not have happened.
This whole experince has been a blessing and being able to share a part of it with my family was awesome! Thank you Melissa- your support was awesome. You are the greatest wife ever. and Joshua and Caleb- I am so proud of you guys- how you jumped right in and helped the riders and then served as entertainment- was just amazing. I love you guys!
Thanks again and may God continue to watch over us and keep the wind at our backs- and may we remember what an awesome God we serve!
Hey!
Great Ride, Great God, Great Guys!
WOW - what an adventure. I continually reflect on the trip and am amazed by not the finish but the journey
God has tweeked our lives (again) like he always does and used every individual involved to play a role.
I thank each of you for your encouragement all during the ride
Ron I thank you for daring us to not only dream but to pedal until that dream was a reality
I can't wait until next year....
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