Finally - one hundred cycling excursions accomplished - it took longer than I expected but here we are in July 2021 with an opportunity to add more biking trips. In 2020 I decided that we would complete 100 biking trips between our time in Arizona and Illinois - cut short due to knee issues and total knee surgery. This year - once in Arizona for the winter - we were able to accomplish 81 trips. Back home in Illinois with weather that cooperated with us - we were able to add 19 outings to get us up to trip #100. It is early July - now to see how many more decent days we will have to continue adding to that number.
As I get older - it is a little harder to get things done - too many things get in the way - projects that pop up - needing my immediate attention - distracting me from personal goals. It is similar to keeping my attention focused on my spiritual growth. Best intentions - distractions pull me away - tugging at my heart - mind as I try to focus - develop my relationship with God. Thankfully - Jesus is patient - giving me the space - time to be with him. This summer I have been drawn outside to sit on the deck and watch the beans growing in our fields - appreciating the miracle of life - the cycle of life from bare soil to the first buds of green - to the full grown plants that look like a huge sea of green. The view is peaceful - just as the sky when it is calm and blue with wisps of clouds dancing across the sky. This summer has been good so far - now that the pandemic is quieting down - able to gather with friends. I see hope everywhere I look - just as I hope you do. With God all things are possible.
Deacon Dale
