In our new neighborhood we have a lovely walking path that I’ve referred to as “hilly” and “good for the legs”.
Last week I took out an instrument of torture on the lovely path— the instrument I formerly referred to as my bike.
The lovely hilly path was today, Mount Mitchell, NC, as far as my heart and legs were concerned. Any pretense of fitness on my part vanished in thin mountain air.
My legs fatigued oh so quickly. How long had it been since I’d been in the saddle? Apparently quite a bit longer than I’d remembered!
As I huffed and puffed up the mountain incline, in second gear, I was comforted by three thoughts.
- I know how to gear down and ride very slowly.
- I know how to walk the bike.
- If all else fails, I have my phone for a 911 call.
Then, I started to realize how my maiden bike ride parallels my current life story.
I’ve been permitted to gear my life down as I am gradually adjusting to our move and big life transitions. To be less busy and move at a slower pace. To focus on deep and important things; investing time in relationships with people and God. I may appear to be covering less ground, as a lower gear indicates, but, sometimes the progress is deep and unseen by others. Considering what I’ve acquired from this time, I have no regrets.
Even at a slower pace consistency creates momentum. “Slow and steady wins the race”. One walk and conversation with my new neighbor. One letter written. One invitation for lunch to a single woman I’m getting to know. Baby steps count. Momentum becomes progress. Progress encourages me to keep going. Eventually my confidence is strengthened. I know I’ll fulfill my purpose if I keep going in the right direction. There will be habits and character created that will be with me for the long term. As I avoid obsessing over results, the results will happen.
I identify with Oswald Chambers’ take on purpose:
“We have no right to judge where we should be put, or to have preconceived notions as to what God is fitting us for. God engineers everything; wherever He puts us our one great aim is to pour out a whole-hearted devotion to Him in that particular work.” “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might”. Ecclesiastes 9:10
I can call for help when I need it! We lived in our home in Wilmington for so many years; longer than any other place. It has been very hard for me to adjust to not being there. When I think of going home I still think of that house. There will always be a map in my heart that leads to that special place.
Sometimes I need to share my feelings, however awkward I may feel, with another person. I’ve been encouraged countless times by loved ones who’ll listen and empathize. Life is never meant to be navigated alone! We need each other. I’m adapting to our new home in Columbia and I have joy and anticipation—knowing it’s God’s plan for us to be here. I couldn’t have done it without the support of people who care.
My husband says after about ten more bike rides, I’ll laugh at how difficult my ride was. I’m not looking forward to checking those off my list! I wonder, will I also laugh one day at how difficult the move was for me? We shall see! His point rings true.
“It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.” – Confucius
9 Comments
Loved this blog,Myra. It is good to be reminded of how God I is still working in the “slow times” of life when we don’t appear to be achieving much. He is still at work. When we look back we can see more clearly how he directed our steps. Thanks again for sharing your experiences. I am sure many will be blesssed.
I love to hear your comments, Jane! Thank you so much. much love…
Loved this blog,Myra. It is good to be reminded of how God I is still working in the “slow times” of life when we don’t appear to be achieving much. He is still at work. When we look back we can see more clearly how he directed our steps. Thanks again
Yes, Yes! Brava, Myra! Thank you for your encouragement ☺
Thank you dear sister. 🙂
I sure needed this today! I am in the middle of a big move…back to my hometown…in order to be closer to my Mom. I am exhausted because the move and downsizing is so much more complicated than I imagined. And there have been bumps and detours along the way. I also am thrilled to be closer to Mom and to reconnect with old friends. I am blessed that God has provided so much. I too need to slow down, have more patience and reach out for help….this blog has helped today. Thank you Myra!
Thank you so much for your comment, Denna! It’s encouraging to me to know something I said has helped. I will be praying for you today; I really understand your feelings about downsizing. It’s so difficult and overwhelming, not to mention emotionally draining! God bless you and help you in every way:)
Hi Myra, I identify with the slowdown of life. Dealing with disease over a long period of time, I have imagined myself as the tortoise in the old folktale. The slowdown is part of how I have to care for myself. It remains a lesson I repeat as a reminder in order to reap the benefits. But a parallel hurdle was our move to California from our home town of 26 years. My closest friends are still there, even 8 years after the move. God opens and closes the way and also guides the pace of our journeys. Its kind of like building endurance from bike riding, faith is strengthened over riding the hills!
Thank you so much, Mary! You have lived this out faithfully for so many years. I’ve always admired the way you’ve walked in such grace!