When Colleene and I began this journey we figured it would entail about a year commitment. This dedication of time was put in place to enable us to truly get a feel of life away from the comforts of established friendships and local tradition. We set our path in that direction to shake up the known, and peer into the unknown. Today, we have suddenly found ourselves approximately half way through our initial timetable and have been amazed at the pace at which we arrived.

It seemed that the first portion of the international experience was fairly benign. We had pretty much a predicted schedule and route of travel. A lot of great relational anecdotes kept us knee deep in sync with each other. Outwardly everything seemed fine. Then…we arrived back in the USA…

Before I continue with this line of thought I’d like to share a poem written by the great author “unknown“. My mother sent a portion of this poem to us way back in the 70’s to post on our fridge. We did so, and there it remained for many years. I recently came across the full edition and wanted to post it here. This poem speaks similarly of our journey thus far.

The Road of Life

At first, I saw God as my observer, my judge,

keeping track of the things I did wrong,

so as to know whether I merited heaven or hell when I die.

He was out there sort of like a president.

I recognized His picture when I saw it,

but I really didn’t know Him.

But later on when I met Christ,

it seemed as though life was rather like a bike ride,

but it was a tandem bike,

and I noticed that Christ

was in the back helping me pedal.

I don’t know just when it was

that He suggested we change places,

but life has not been the same since.

When I had control,

I knew the way.

It was rather boring,

but predictable . . .

It was the shortest distance between two points.

But when He took the lead,

He knew delightful long cuts,

up mountains,

and through rocky places

at breakneck speeds,

it was all I could do to hang on!

Even though it looked like madness,

He said, “Pedal!”

I worried and was anxious

and asked,

“Where are you taking me?”

He laughed and didn’t answer,

and I started to learn to trust.

I forgot my boring life

and entered into the adventure.

And when I’d say, “I’m scared,”

He’d lean back and touch my hand.

He took me to people with gifts that I needed,

gifts of healing,

acceptance

and joy.

They gave me gifts to take on my journey,

my Lord’s and mine.

And we were off again.

He said, “Give the gifts away;

they’re extra baggage, too much weight.”

So I did,

to the people we met,

and I found that in giving I received,

and still our burden was light.

I did not trust Him,

at first,

in control of my life.

I thought He’d wreck it;

but He knows bike secrets,

knows how to make it bend to take sharp corners,

knows how to jump to clear high rocks,

knows how to fly to shorten scary passages.

And I am learning to shut up

and pedal

in the strangest places,

and I’m beginning to enjoy the view

and the cool breeze on my face

with my delightful constant companion, Jesus Christ.

And when I’m sure I just can’t do anymore,

He just smiles and says . . . “Pedal.”

— author unknown

In the US we have found ourselves in a lull. I suppose it’s more like being in the eye of a hurricane. We are not really at home, not really on the road, but are still on our journey nonetheless. Things seem different in all aspects of life, and a sense of depression is trying to nestle a spot in my attitudes on life. A recent health scare with Colleene only reinforces our desire to live out His call in our life by doing what we’ve set out to do this year. Her situation is still being played out as I write this. Depression be damned! We don’t have a desire to stop until He closes the door. Finding this poem again really opened my eyes to where we should be, and to where we need to flee from.

Only last night, Colleene, Meghan and I watched the movie “The War Room”. It’s based on a family struggling with career priorities, family conflict and lack of faith issues. It was reminiscent of a lot of families I’ve been around for many many years. This recent flurry of timely messages I’ve received only hastens my desire to prioritize appropriately and give control to where it should be!!

So now it’s early July. We’ve recently celebrated wedding anniversary #43, and are planning to begin short trips within the USA. Come September our expectation is that we will be warming into international travel once more. I hope the tandem bicycle will continue to hold together as we venture on!!!!

3 Replies to “Half Time”

Pam Dillon says:
July 12, 2017 at 12:15 am

What a truly touching story. I will pray all is well with Colleen. Congratulations on your 43rd anniversary. I am sure that tandem will keep moving on to more adventures.
Ben says:
July 12, 2017 at 1:35 am

Thanks for sharing! I needed that reminder of the bicycle! We’re in “transition” moving from our place of the past 14 years into something smaller. Challenges lie ahead and I need to surrender trusting that Jesus knows the better way.
Mary Frise says:
July 12, 2017 at 4:26 am

So good to see an update from you! May this time in the journey bring unexpected blessings to you both. Our prayers for you as you navigate yet another turn in the road!

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The Road of Life

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3 Replies to “Half Time”