I have noticed that physical exercise usually makes me feel better. I have found that taking a bike ride is especially effective for helping whatever ails me. Of course, that’s assuming that joint pain isn’t what ails me! Otherwise, several miles of local terrain will gets the blood flowing and that seems to help me physically and emotionally.

I suspect there are even spiritual benefits as well. Being surrounded by natural beauty helps soothe my spirit and ease my soul. And, I will usually gear in some prayer time as well. I have learned in such times it’s usually best to pray with my eyes open. That seems to coincide right nicely with my prayers that God will keep me safe on my ride. And when I’m riding against the wind, I also pray that God will send me strength and stamina.

As a novice road rider, I’ve been rather impressed with how much effect even a light wind has when I’m pedaling. Yesterday’s breeze hovered between twelve to fifteen with occasional pulses of higher velocity. On my 24-speed commuter bike, I found that I had to drop down four or five notches when riding south. Going uphill against the wind was especially interesting. Seemed to move the exercise level right on up into the “cardio” category, as a matter of fact.

At one point, I actually entertained the ludicrous notion of turning around rather than continue to fight against gravity and the wind. Of course it would have been easier but it would have had me going in the opposite direction that I needed to go to reach my destination.

Sometimes there are options that let us take a diagonal so that we can make progress without having to face the obstacles head on. Other times, though, we pray harder and accept that it’s going to take more effort and more time. And we remind ourselves that we will keep making progress as long as we don’t give up.

H. Arnett
11/20/17