It was a beautiful, warm sunny day and I was able to ride my bicycle outside! This is a big deal in the spring in Canada. I have been waiting 7 months for this.
Rob and I geared up and were off on our bikes. We have a beautiful trail network where we live, and it was wonderful to be in nature, hearing birds sing and seeing flowers bloom along the trail’s edge.
Over the winter, we rode our bicycle trainers in the basement to keep our conditioning up. Which is great, but it isn’t quite the same as riding outside.
I was reminded today about the power of the draft. I ride behind Rob, in the draft, as they call it. He shields me from wind and I’m able to go faster when I’m following him than when I’m out front trying to power into the wind myself.
Professional cyclists take that to a whole different level and ride in a group they call a peloton. I understand that riding in a peloton can reduce drag by up to 95%.
I was thinking that my faith journey is very similar. When I follow God, the path is easier to navigate. He is with me, and together we go farther, faster, with less effort. Just like when I ride my bicycle in the draft.
If I were to ride ahead of Rob, it would be hard work, and I would be a lot slower. Similarly, if I run out ahead of God instead of staying in the shelter of his wings, I am in for a long hard slog.
He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. Psalm 91:4
When I’m in the draft, I need to keep my eyes on Rob’s wheel, to ensure I optimize my advantage. Similarly, I need to keep my eyes on God and what He would have me do if I’m going to be in His perfect will. I choose to trust in the Lord with all my heart and lean not on my own understanding. In all my ways I acknowledge Him and He directs my path, as the Bible says in Proverbs 3:5-6.
I can certainly ride by myself. But as bicycling is easier when I’m in Rob’s draft, it is also more enjoyable to share the journey and experience the ride together. We do our ride, stop for breaks, and see amazing things together. The last few times we have been out we have seen the same hummingbird sitting on a leafless branch. Such magnificent little creatures!
Similarly, trusting in the Lord, following His direction, being in His will and living in the shelter of His wings is a glorious way to live. The Bible says in John 10:10 that Jesus came that we might have and enjoy our life.
I am enjoying my life. Between the shelter of God’s wings, Rob’s draft and sharing the journey with both of them, how could life possibly be better?
