This year has started at a hectic pace. Two long distance work trips in January. New committee members and staff to orient, and new committees to serve. Ongoing challenges. By the start of February I felt like I needed another break.
What do you do when you need a recharge? I have reasonable habits of prayer, gratitude, service, and digesting and reflecting on Scripture. I have family and friends who are willing to listen. Daily exercise and weekly biking challenges, a plant-based diet, plenty of water, stretching, quietness, good sleep patterns . . . I’m very committed to being the best I can be and will take on any tip to be healthier. But sometimes you still feel flat and overwhelmed by what is in front of you.
One of my cousins is turning 50 this year and is also a cyclist. He invited my brother, brother-in-law and friends to ride a few days in the Australian bush and mountains in late February as part of his birthday celebrations. His invitation came well in advance, and I could adjust my schedule to not miss any important meetings.
I knew the ride would be challenging as we climbed mountains on overgrown bush tracks, on inclines up to 20 per cent. I expected to see kangaroos, snakes, birds and other wildlife. I knew there would be magnificent scenery—mountains, rivers, trees. I also expected fun and laughter as we talked, ate and swam.
What I did not expect was the complete reset. I was unreachable by phone for a few days and that was rewarding. We made time to pray for each other, our families and situations each day. We had deep theological and biblical discussions—refreshing to the soul even as our bodies were physically exhausted. There were two moments I could only explain as me understanding my smallness in God’s vastness–His transcendence. In a forest with no-one else in sight, in the silence of the bush, I felt thankful for the water in my bottles, the trees providing shade, the sun providing light and warmth, the air I was breathing. I felt as small as the ants in the nests I was standing near. The other time was overlooking a huge dam, high up in the mountains with “blue hills” to the horizon—a vast expanse of majestic wonder. Knowing that life had purpose because God was Creator. I was His child. It’s hard to explain but the reset just happened and was worth it. How do humility and transcendence work in your life as a disciple of Jesus?
