My inbox held a special treat. A friend from a former church had written me with something to share. Honestly many times a feeling of nervousness comes over me just before I read an email or a message. Am I in trouble? Did I tick someone off? Are they going to tell me something really sad or disappointing? That’s honestly what I wonder but whew, that wasn’t the case with Debbie’s message.
She told me that after returning home from a recent solo, very warm bike ride, many thoughts flooded her mind. Although not typically one who uses writing as a creative outlet, she felt compelled to write about an epiphany of sorts she had experienced on this ride.
As I read it, I knew I wanted to share it with you and so with Debbie’s permission, here are her words. As you read these, I encourage you to think of a daily activity or passion that you have…how does God speak to you through it?
This bike has taken Debbie on quite a journey
cycling is like life:
Super cool pic of Debbie and her hubs out hiking, one of her favorite pics following a really long hard hike in TN/VA
some rides I anticipate, look forward too, am excited for,
others I dread, look at as a chore, see as mundane,
some rides I encounter difficult climbs or easy descents, others rolling hills,
some rides I encounter beauty beyond compare, others not so beautiful,
some rides I encounter bee stings and accidental ingestion of bugs,
others I have witnessed awe-inspiring butterflies, birds and animals,
some rides I get a flat tire, many I don’t,
some rides I have been cursed at, spit on (yep), given the finger when I was doing everything right,
others I have been shown immeasurable grace when it was me who made the mistake,
I mean seriously, how could anyone spit at this lovely woman while she’s biking?
some rides I have been disliked just because I am a cyclist on the road,
others, maybe, I have inspired another,
some rides are extremely hot, cold, or surprised by storms,
others beautiful, sunny and calm,
some rides I have met wonderful, ‘want to be around’ folks, others not,
some rides I have gossiped unfairly, others I have been gossiped about,
some rides I put my best effort forward, some I have not,
Here is a huge turtle Debbie and her cycling buddy stumbled pon this summer!
some rides I have encountered dogs that want to attack, others that don’t,
some rides have unknown potholes, rocks and gravel, others smooth and beautiful,
some rides I am inexplicably weak, others I am inexplicably strong,
some days I have great ride, others not so great,
but no matter how the ride was,in the end,
I am so glad I have gone,
I am joyful to accomplish the ride
I am thankful to be healthy enough
thankful for my experience,
thankful for the journey.
Like my bike rides,
some days are smooth with perfect temperature,
sunny skies, dog free,
full of stranger kindness and feelings of strength,
other days are wrought with potholes, heat, bugs, winds, meanness and weakness.
Pic of new freeway intersection – this stretch of road actually promoted Debbie’s writing. Old US 1 just reopened after putting the bridge for 540, an ominous intersection for cyclists “out in the country side” in the heart of North Carolina
In spite of my anticipation and preparation, each ride has a life of its own.
I choose to embrace the journey of each ride, each day, for I know it will make me stronger and I will be glad for it, but I can only do it if I rely on the One Who is bigger than me.
cycling is like life
The more I read Debbie’s words, the more I relate to them. The more I want to take my bike to the repair shop and get on it! Thank you Debbie for inspiring me and trusting me enough to share it. I’d love to hear from you also. If you have a story to tell, let me know, maybe I can help you speak your words to others.
A few other things about her: Debbie Douglass is married 25 yrs to a wonderful man, Jay and mom of two sweet college aged kids. She’s also been a cyclist for 30 years. I’m not a biker but Debbie and I have a few things in common, we both are a lover of pretty tables and we’ve both been Christ-followers for 16 years (and oh SO thankful!!)
It’s truly a privilege to share her lovely message.
My Awesome Olive Shoots 
Great photos!
Thanks Ms. Nine!
“…some rides I have been cursed at, spit on (yep), given the finger when I was doing everything right…”
Ugh, I know this too well. I was riding within the designated bike lane, doing nothing wrong when I hear a long and aggressive honk behind me. Some guy sitting in the passenger side of a van cab kindly tells me to “go f**k yourself.” Still bewildered as to what I did wrong, but maybe it was just for being a cyclist.
Anyway, nice blog!
Thanks J from NYC! Hate that that happened to you. One time when I was living in France, a total stranger walked by and spit all over me! Then he ran away! It was totally intentional and I had no idea why he did it. Weird and disgusting! Here’s hoping you encounter many more nice people along the road and stay safe!