We can’t manage time but we can mark it and carve our initials in it.
When we awaken and begin our day we have a choice to say “yes” to this day our Lord has provided. Will you mark the moments by showing love, grace and mercy to your isolated neighbor, the person that narrowly missed hitting your car in his rush to get wherever he was going, the exhausted individual caring for someone you hold close to your heart, or the loved one with whom you’ve become exasperated? Will you carve your initials in the words of praise and gratitude that leave your lips? On the heart of one you’ve chosen to forgive, thus having theirs marked on yours as you in turn are forgiven?
We cannot manage time and conform it our will; but we have the power to choose how it affects our lives. We are almost half way through this month and it has not evolved into what we had planned. By this time, we should have been in our second week with family and friends back home in south Texas. Our Lord decided differently. We have been unable to mark time as we had hoped but we were given an opportunity to carve our initials in its passing in other ways.
Today may not unfold as you had envisioned. How and where will you carve your initials in it?
Psalm 90:12 Teach us to number our days, that we gain a heart of wisdom.
I asked for practice time on gravel and it was delivered in abundant portions. The Cedar Brake Outer Loop in Dinosaur Valley State Park is described as a 7.5 mile moderate hiking/biking trail which takes you on a looping trail atop limestone ridges crowned by cedar brakes. By the time we completed our ride, I was sure the accepted definition in the cycling world and my interpretation of the word “moderate” differed greatly. We had not been to this state park since our kids were young. We rode around on the surface streets reminiscing. We found the trailhead for Cedar Break and began our adventure. First order of business was crossing the Paluxy River. I was a bit reluctant at first but after seeing Vidal ride through it with ease, I went for it. There was a slight hill just about five feet from the shore and we managed that one with some effort. I was feeling a bit redeemed from my prior gravel excursion but it was short lived. The second hill came quickly and I managed to go off trail and into tall grass. Having lost my momentum I was left with walking my bike up to the crest. It would be the first of at least five inclines that proved to steep for us. It was going to be one of those days. I was also battling with faulty communication from my brain to my body. Yes, it is possible to fall over from one’s bike while at a complete stop. I’m still learning the nuances of being clipped in to my pedals. I haven’t quite convinced my mind that there is absolutely no reason to panic when my right foot won’t unclip easily, especially when my left foot is on terra firma. I stopped counting after the third time it happened. 🤦♀️ It was still proving to be one of those days. At one point we reached a flat, rather smooth area and we picked up speed. I was determined to try and keep up with Vidal and I was enjoying the chase. I started to feel a bit confident, cocky even….then it happened. I don’t have any idea what obstacle met my front wheel but before I could process what was happening I had catapulted off my seat, over the handlebars and onto the ground. I looked myself over, saw no blood, and started laughing. I couldn’t believe I had just experienced my first endo(end over end crash). Vidal rode up to me and his first reaction was, “Well, your laughing so I guess that’s a good thing.” You will have to have him tell you the story from his point of view. The sound effects he adds are hysterical! It definitely was continuing to be one of those days. We forged ahead anticipating another river crossing and the end of the trail. We were led to the water’s edge and quickly determined this was not where we had crossed previously. This section had stepping stones of varied sizes and the water was a bit swifter. Navigating my bike alongside me while ensuring my footing was secure proved to be quite challenging. I must have provided quite the entertainment as a young man came alongside me, took my bike from me, carried it over to the opposite bank where Vidal had just reached, then just smiled and said, “Have a great day.” It was one of those days. We took a much needed break then continued on. The trail narrowed significantly and we began to question whether we were following the map correctly. We walked a few more feet and it was clear we had missed the connecting trail. At this point our only option was to climb up a steep embankment…and so we did. Maneuvering one bike at a time, I would grab a tree root above me with one hand, the front tire with the other and scooch myself up on my bottom a little at a time. Vidal would grab a tree root with one hand, the back tire with the other, and push and crawl on his knees at the same time. I pulled, he pushed, we laughed. It was one of those days. We reached the top and eventually found our way back to our campsite. That had to be the most arduous 8-mile trail we’ve ever ridden. We encountered obstacles and challenges that not only tested our abilities but our emotions. It could have been so easy for either of us to get annoyed with the other. It was hot, dusty, and we were getting hungry; we had consumed all our snacks. But there was just something about being out there together. The misread map, falls, fatigue, teamwork, it made for a fun adventure. There is so much left to explore and as long as the Lord allows us the ability; I will go “anywhere with you”, Vidal.
This was after the endo.One of many hills.Celebrating being alive.
What an incredibly humbling experience it was to participate in the 36-mile nighttime gravel ride Saturday. I knew I was in trouble when we weren’t even 50 yards passed the starting point and I was struggling to keep up with Vidal and Jeff. Forget trying to keep up with the pack, that wasn’t even an option for me. All I could think was, “What did I get myself into?” It took us a couple of miles to convince Jeff it was absolutely okay for him to go on ahead and not to worry about me, Vidal would not leave me behind. In a matter of minutes he had dissapeared from sight and the remainder of the ride it would just be Vidal and my view of his backside. 🤷♀️ Vidal and I have ridden this distance on both our rode and mountain bikes. What we didn’t have experience with was this type of surface. The gravel we’ve encountered on the Trinity River Trails has been minimal and mostly on flats. It was both an exhilarating (the sunset and full moon were spectacular) and terrifying (riding on portions of the highway in darkness) experience that I’m glad we participated in. Sadly, I didn’t finish. At approximately mile 16 my thighs were not only on fire, they started cramping. I pushed through and completed 24 miles before having to wave the proverbial white flag and have the sweeper vehicle bring us in. I’m not disappointed. My greatest mission was to not purchase real estate with my knees, elbows or face and I accomplished that goal. My second expectation was to push myself and test my limits. I did that as well and was left with the desire to do this again someday….with alot more practice on gravel surfaces. To be honest, this surface was more like caliche, powdery and chunky. It reminded me of the street I grew up on in Mathis. If this had been a race I would have a DNF (did not finish)next to my name. I’m not letting this discourage me from spending time in the saddle and exploring new trails. I’ll never know what it’s like to be successful if I don’t dust myself off, continue riding, and be better prepared. Hats off to Jeff for completing the course, patiently waiting for us at the finish, and sharing a great meal afterwards. Don’t let setbacks keep you from challenging yourself and be blessed y’all!
We spend a lot of time rolling on the blacktop and floating on the water. We have enjoyed every adventure we’ve experienced on land and afloat. We are also tremendously respectful of the hazzards of both. Vidal is meticulous about routine maintenance, carrying necessary tools, and ensuring tow insurance is current for the boat. He had to utilize Sea Tow http://seatow.com once previously while on open water but today was different. We had just passed the I35 split to continue onto I20 in Lancaster when rough road conditions bounced us a bit. It was the dragging sound that remained after the jostling settled that drew our attention and concern. We took the first available exit and pulled into a nearby gas station/ convenience store. We had guessed what may have happened to the trailer but we would quickly learn none of our ideas were correct. To our dismay, the tongue of the trailer had snapped in two. Upon closer inspection we determined without safety chains, the boat would have just kept rolling on down the highway. We took a deep breath and gave thanks to God for the averted consequences. A phone call to Sea Tow confirms we are eligible for towing. A two-hour wait serves as an opportunity to perform housekeeping chores that would have to be done when we got home anyway. Another blessing is that Vidal has a friend who owns a welding shop http://dallasmetalfabricators.com and he advises to have the boat towed there and he’ll begin repairs in the morning. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Be blessed y’all!
December 2013 began a journey of many steps, emotions, and lessons. My husband and I, along with our two children when they were home from college, became my father’s full time caregivers. My husband had not retired at the time but insisted that my father would be coming to live with us. You see, sadly, my father was succumbing to the disease known as “the longest good-bye” or alzheimer’s. In the midst of all the challenges of care-taking I found respite playing in my garden. I shed many tears, cried out to my Lord in petition, sang words of praise, worshiped intently, and found healing for my soul. Thus the series “Lessons Learned Digging in the Dirt” was born. The other Lessons Learned series followed as I became keenly aware of the education I could receive by opening my heart and eyes. Enjoy exploring and thanks for joining me!
Good company in a journey makes the way seem shorter. — Izaak Walton
Lessons Learned When... 