Yesterday I talked about “The Ride” and the beginning of that thought process. The word today seems to be “The Race” as in the Hebrews 12:1 sense.

Hebrews 12:1 Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us…

Race in this passage means a contest, a striving for, a moving forward. So we begin to see that our “Ride” really is our “Race”.
There is a starting point and there is a destination.
As I am more journey minded, I like the little side trips that we are given along the way. Really, I am more lazy than that and sometimes need to be shaken up by my wife to take the time to enjoy the journey.

Recently, I have taken up bike riding. I got a good deal on a road bike (the kind with the thin tires) and have put over 1,200 mile on it since March or April. This is not much when compared to most of the guys around here but a really good start. Living in the mountains of North Carolina (where Lance Armstrong trained some) is a really good place to be a rider. I have found that I have regained some of my youthfulness in practicing this sport.

I am reminded now of what Isaiah says:
Isaiah 40:31 (New American Standard Bible)
Yet those who wait for the LORD
Will gain new strength;
They will mount up with wings like eagles,
They will run and not get tired,
They will walk and not become weary.
This race, this journey, this bike riding is a gift from God.
What is His gift to you today?