Life can be quite the ride sometimes. I have been training for a marathon and I wanted to switch things up and get a little bike ride in. So I chose to bike home from work. This was not the first time that I have ridden my bike from work. So I knew the route.
I was listening to a audio given by Orrin Woodword the 20 most influntial leader in the world according to INC magazine. I was really into this discussion. I was learning so much. I didn’t realize that something was happening with my bike that was going to manifest itself in a short matter of time.
I was pedling along and about half way through my ride I realized I was having to pedle so much harder. It seemed like I was not really going as fast as I could have been going. I didn’t really think about it becuase I was really trying to get more out of the conversation I was having with Orrin. Then as I weaved in and out of a trail gate and went over the curb I realized why I was going so slow.
My tire was flat!
I had been riding on my flat tire for some time. I inspected my tire and noticed a couble of things. The first was there was a punchure, probubly from a goat head (those weeds that grow great big spiky thorns), and there was a huge slice in the actual tire on the side wall. This large slice was from riding on the flat tire for longer than it should have been. I effectivly ruined my tire.
I see so many paralllels with life with this story. We can be going through life regularly. Trying to make it through life. Working hard to achieve something we desire to do. Then out of the blue things happen. And we have no idea it was comming. There are a few things that we can do. One of those is give in and let life take over. This is not such a great method. One of the better ways is to flow with it. Make the best out of the situation.
While I realized that my bike tire was now beyond repair I could have ridden home on the rim. I could have just sat there and sulked. I was grateful however that I had my phone with me and so I called up my wife. She was able to ask my dad to come and get me, she was trying to take care of a sleeping baby. This gave me more time to learn from Orrin. I chose to make the best of the situation. It provided more opportunity to sit and talk with my dad. I was able to make a stronger friendship with my dad.
I am finishing this email now on Fathers day and I can’t help to honor my father this day. I have really looked up to my dad! He has taught me so much. I look up to my dad in so many ways. While my dad took me home I realized that he is such a great example to me. He has shown me what it is supose to look like to support my family.
There is a very powerful proclamation that teaches what a family is. Its called “The Family: A Proclamation to the World” in this proclamation it states “By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families.” I have great respect for my father for being that contiunal example of what a father is and how a father should act.
I now have a family and I pray that I can be that example to them and those they love.
This life has really given me so much to be grateful for. I started this out with a bike ride. Well this life is like that bike ride full of many different ups and downs. I want to end with a experience that has been such a great journey and relationship.
I was given an oportunity to be a part of a very sacred moment. I was placed in a area in Franconia Virginia and there I was able to meet a couple that has changed my life. They are the most friendliest loving people. They were given the blessing to be wed for time and for all eternity this last week. They invited me to be there and I am forever greatful for this.
I will always look up to them. They have really shown me how to love someone and to look past the surface and to deeply love the person despite what they might look like on the outside. I am so grateful for this.
I can’t stress enough how important it is so love a person unconditionally. This can break all kinds of barriers and will change a person. This change will be long lasting and will bless more people than you can possibly imagine. I have only seen a glimpse into this but my friends Sandi and Bobby Cumberland exemplify this most wonderful treasure!
Find ways to greater love those around you and your life will be so much better, but most importantly your friends will be even more blessed!
