A few days ago while on facebook I noticed that my friend Erica had completed a century bike ride in Colorado.   A century ride goes for at least 100 miles.  This particular ride went through four mountain passes. This was particularly inspiring to me since she has had lupus.

Two weeks ago I purchased a Schwinn one speed, pedal brakes old fashioned bicycle at Target.  It had dents in the fender so I got it for $91.  It’s a beautiful light blue retro style bicycle – the vision of my dreams when I was a youngster.  Being the youngest of four girls, new bicycles were not in the picture. They were simply too expensive.

Yesterday I rode my bicycle for 25 minutes to the local elementary school and back.  My route had four small hills (which did get my heart rate up).  I didn’t want to ride yesterday.  In fact, it was almost dark when my husband and I went out.  It seemed so pointless since there was so little daylight left.  However, those short rides are becoming near daily events and are increasing my strength. Today I rode for 45 minutes. Over the years I’ve learned that spiritually, consistency is key. Reading the Bible consistently helps me discern Godliness from worldliness. It keeps me from fuzzy thinking.

Hebrews 5:13-14
Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. [14] But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.

Long journeys start with shorter, but consistent effort.  Some day perhaps I’ll do a century ride.  But then again, maybe not.  The encouraging thing to me is that today I got on my bike and began pedaling.  I’ve discovered that I really like to ride.  Even the difficult hills are rewarding, especially when I reach the crest and then coast for a while.  On my first ride I had to get off half way up a hill and walk. Now I don’t have to get off.  I’m making progress. When we spend consistent time with God we can build our spiritual character layer upon layer.

2 Peter 1:3-7
His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. [4] Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
    [5] For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; [6] and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; [7] and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love.

Sometimes I can get stuck spiritually – It seems there is so much to pray about and so much to learn that it feels overwhelming to start – as if  I need to take a century ride.   However, I can be glad that every day I can learn something, pray often and make progress.  I can take my tried and tested ride to the school yard and back or explore new routes as long as I keep pedaling.