Highs and lows

Today, I think, has been a pretty good metaphor for life generally. I woke up early looking forward to getting to ride my bike for a good portion of the day. I had decided last night to ride up to honor a WWII veteran with the PGR up in Fayetteville. It's a sad reason to make a trip, but it was a beautiful day to ride.

Before I left I sat down to check email and saw that Bro. George Raley had passed away. Bro. George was a pillar among Missionary Baptists. He was dearly loved by many, including me. A personal favorite claim to fame was the fact that he was the first pastor for whom my dear friend Joyce Vance worked.

Long day, nice ride up. Good to meet new faces and see freinds again. Yogi, a freind of mine rode up with me and shared a praise in his life. Remind me to tell you the story of how a text message changed a life. (sounds like a blog entry to me!)

The ride home was rough. We fought a headwind and about 2 million 18-wheelers, but I was riding...so it's all good. I got home, had a nice meal with the family and my youngest and I went out for a long walk (trying to lose weight is NOT fun). I took some tunes to dampen the sounds of my labored breathing and was enjoying listening to one of my favorite bands "Pocket Full of Rocks". Anyway, as I was doing my walk I stepped into a hole and ended up all over the street. Of course, there was a car full of people right there and they stopped to check on me...HOW EMBARRASSING! Anyway, I ignored my scraped palms and knee, and fractured pride and continued on the journey..with a new limp. Anyway, the song just happened to come up that has the words, "but they don't know what it's like to have the King of the Universe hold your hand". I had to laugh out loud. What a glorious thought.

I'll be the first to admit that I am succeptable to depression, pity parties, and woe is me-itis. But to think that the King of the Universe knows me, loves me, and wants to hang out with me is a pretty awesome thought.

Thanks Lord for a good day. The sadness of death is not sad to those who know You so I can't be sad right now. Thanks for the peace and knowledge I have knowing that Bro. George can "literally" hold your hand right now. Help me keep focused on You and not distracted by the holes in the road ahead. You are an awesome God. Thanks for being my friend.