Spiritual Cycling

As seen in the HB and Village Voice

“Spiritual Cycling”

                Those who attend Mountainside UMC know I’m a cycling enthusiast, or as some

may think a cycling nut! I average between 120 and 160 miles per week depending on

my schedule. I used to be just a runner, but the scenery seems to change a lot faster on a

bicycle verses just running.

                There is a lot of preparation that goes into a single bike ride, and oddly enough it

begins the night before. I prepare my LED flashing lights by plugging them into the

charging ports on one of my computers, fill up the water bottles with some electrolyte

replacement drink, and I pack my after-ride clothes and pick out my cycling clothes,

commonly called a kit. My helmet, shoes, gloves, sunglasses, and tire pump are all

placed in the truck so I don’t forget anything.

Early morning rides just seem to get things going in the right direction. There

was a couple I rode with in the past, but they’ve moved so I do solo rides in the hills of

HSV. I try to stay off the main roads as much as I can to minimize any interaction with

early morning traffic. But you’d be surprised at the amount of vehicles on the road

before 6:30 a.m.! Safety and protection are very important.

This morning I was thinking how our daily spiritual walk is a lot like cycling.

Like my morning rides, our walk with God should begin early in the morning and be one

of the first things we do. As cycling promotes a healthier lifestyle, an early morning

quiet time promotes good spiritual health. As I lay my head down at night, I know I’m

prepared for the ride the next morning. We too should pray at the end of the day, being

thankful for the blessings and protection provided to us throughout the day and to prepare

us for tomorrow’s challenges. When I ride, I wear all the protective equipment I can get

on. When we pray in the morning, we should put on the Holy Armor of God to help us

fend off the enemy’s attacks. It would be safer to ride with others, just as we are stronger

when we surround ourselves with other believers. But if we find ourselves on our own

throughout the day, put on your Godly LED lights and make your walk with God

apparent to all who see you and hear you.

Cycling takes a lot of preparation. Our daily spiritual walk takes more

preparation and is more important than peddling the roads early of a morning. Pray, read

the Word, and listen to the Holy Spirit daily to prepare yourself for the pitfalls throughout

the day. If we do, we will complete the day and be in better spiritual shape than

yesterday!