My dad has always loved going on bike rides, ever since I was a kid. There is one time in particular when I was young, he wanted to take me on a big bike ride. He worked many hours and this was an opportunity for us to bond and go on an adventure, and so we did, just him and I. We had planned the destination to be to my great aunt’s house. This was quite the treat as she had a swimming pool, a bubblegum machine, a fun porch swing and a beautiful welcoming smile. Clearly, I loved going to her house and seeing her smile that lit up a room. The bike ride there, was not for the faint of heart, and I found myself exhausted. I remember my dad encouraging me not to give up, and reminding me about the destination. Every time it felt too hard and I wanted to just give up, my dad’s words rang in, encouraging me, to not stop and keep pushing forward. We did make it to my great aunt’s house. Though the process was sometimes hard to endure and took time; it was an adventure worth taking. It resulted in refreshing waters, chewy, flavorful bubblegum, a sway on a swing and a warm, welcoming smile, that made all of our efforts worth it. Friend, I did not realize it then, but that is so relatable to life. Sometimes things in life are difficult, but we must press forward. Being a follower of God also comes with its own forms of battles; battles between worldly pressures and accountability for our own moral character. Sometimes even against people that oppose the truth. Though whether something in our life is proving difficult, or we are in a spiritual battle of some form; we must press forward in this adventure called life. For if we keep on keeping on, even through the struggle, with God as our guide encouraging us; we will find it is always worth it. For the destination will always prove worthy, when we are peddling forward, with God, our Father, beside us.

Erin Fitts-Brower

Isaiah 26:3-4 NIV

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD himself, is the Rock eternal.

1 Corinthians 9:24 NIV

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.

2 Timothy 4:7 NIV

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.