I meant to post this morning when we crossed into Texas, but I was too busy looking for State Road 26. So remember where you were at 2:09 CST and celebrate with us. We crossed into Texas!!!!!!!!
(we now return to the regularly-scheduled programming)
Life is precious. Living each day is sacred. No moment is off limits to radically change you.
We've had a long day. A hot day. A long, hot, and draining day. A few minor bike falls in 165 miles isn't too shabby. The team rode in the extreme heat of the day and rocked it out. Viva Catie added 3 more bikers, bringing the total to 20 souls who are changing the world while they pedal. As the people multiply, so do the blessings. Each person on this journey adds to the already spicy mix a wonderful new element of fun, hope, and grace.
Everything is bigger in Texas. And this includes the temperature. Tomorrow is set to be 106 degrees. We'll be making game-time decisions all day about pulling riders off the road. Please continue to pray for the health and safety of our riders. We're forcing fluids and keeping a very close watch on everyone. For the moms out there, everyone is a-okay.
A small but important part of this ride is the thing that happens when you least expect it- 27 people become 1. You don't always get to see it when it occurs. Sometimes a group shows up at the destination as a complete unit and sometimes as individual pieces that never form anything coherent. It was an honor to watch these people form one breathing, growing, and quickly-moving unit. I can't point to a time on the clock as to when, but I knew the moment we pulled into the hotel in Cleveland, Texas that we were all one.
Being one means we rejoice over success and we weep over heartache. Today two members of the Viva Catie team lost a close family friend (you know those people, they aren't related to you by blood but they should have been) in a plane crash. I've heard today what a wonderful man Bret Smith was and the Viva Catie team is lifting up those who knew and loved him.
It is no secret this trip is not only a fundraising venture, but a way to honor Catie Summers. The bikes hit the pavement to continue to live and to celebrate life the way Catie did. Part of life is showing up to each day, yes, but the other part is to speak for those who no longer add their voice to the harmony of creation. Speaking for those doesn't always mean using words. It is quite often a much-needed and well-timed hug or kind word. It's saying "I love you." It's living each day out loud, with as much passion as your human body can muster. It's standing in silent wonder at the compassion found in the human spirit.
Simply, it is finding the numinous part of every person you encounter, of every minute you live, of every task you are blessed to perform. It's finding that element of your life and thanking the Almighty for the breath you take in and the steps you find yourself taking.
Viva Catie.
Life is precious. Living each day is sacred. No moment is off limits to radically change you.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment