Special Blessings

A while ago, a friend was telling me about how God had blessed him. At first I thought it sounded silly, but now I totally understand. His story was that one evening, while we were at RUF, something struck him and he had a sudden urge to call one of his buddies. When he did, his friend reminded him that their fantasy football draft was going on right then. This gave him just enough time to call his roommate, inform him of how to pick, and then show up later for the last couple of rounds. How was this a blessing from God? Well, he explained that he would have been a little bummed during the rest of the season if he hadn't been part of this fun event with his friends, but God knew how much he would enjoy himself if he had the chance, so he was blessed by remembering just at the right time. Silly? I really don't think so. I think that happens more than we think.

For example, my freshman year (five years ago) most of my friends I made were cyclists. I went to Lindsey Wilson College, which if you were to google, you would find that it is one of the top cycling schools in the country. That's not bragging, that's just a little perspective of what was valued there, and how many cyclists there actually were. So anyway, most of my friends rode, and that is how I came to love the sport of cycling and it's equipment. I remember working my first race, spending hours listening to stories about crashes, tough rides, road rash, shammy butter, and the like. It didn't take long for my interest to turn to how I was going to start riding when I got home.

Upon my return to Oklahoma, on September 11, 2001, I purchased my first mountain bike. A Gary Fisher Kaitai. It was/is sweet. I never did/do ride as much as I had planned, but I love it none-the-less. There are some differences though. There really wasn't anyone here that shared in my same passion. No one to talk about rides with, change tires with, look at bike mags with, watch stupid race tapes with. Until recently. Lately bike enthusiasts have been coming out of the woodwork. Mostly guys, but more and more girls are getting interested as well. Now, there isn't a social gathering that I go to where bikes are not discussed. And you know what? That just makes me smile. God has blessed me. With a silly little pleasure. I rode my new cruiser today, and was just blessed by how it made me feel. Like a child mostly. Coaster brakes. Cruisin'. Hangin' out with friends. Enjoying the weather. Even getting to see a friend enjoy his new cruiser. Hopefully he enjoyed it as much as I did, because watching him just made me smile. Thank you God for the little things.

Ride more.