You Never Know

Let me first give the update on my weight loss. I'm still lingering around 169-170. I haven't been dieting as strictly as I was but I've decided to stay my current course and then hit the really strict diet again as of March 1st. I'm very happy with my progress and really don't want to get burned out this early in the season. I've been getting in quite a bit of time on the bike (mostly on the trainer) but really can't wait for some warm weather. I got in 2 hours on the trainer yesterday and then about a 22 mile ride today outside. Can't beat the outdoors.

And now to my original topic. Today, being Sunday we of course spent the morning at church. I always have to talk myself into going but once I'm there I'm always happy I went (the guilt trip from my wife helps as well). Until last year, my Sundays were usually consumed with my long ride of the week.

Last summer we took a family vacation up to Wyoming. Of course I took my bike and we chose a route that would allow me to get a ride in almost every day. On the way up and also on the way back we stopped in Grand Junction CO. I've ridden the Grand Mesa before and always wanted to ride the Colorado National Monument (if your a cyclist, this is the "Tour of the Moon" in the movie American Flyers). Anyway, I didn't get to ride the Monument, but something even better happened.

Before leaving town, we stopped at McDonalds with one of those indoor playgrounds. While waiting for our food, and watching the boys play we noticed two little girls with "Third Day" shirts on (Christian music group). The girls happened to be with their grandfather (a very young looking grandfather) who was babysitting while the rest of the family was at another Christian concert in Denver. We got to talking to this guy and somehow got on the subject of Christianity.

We learned that he had just lost his wife (she was only 47) to cancer. He had moved to Grand Junction to be closer to his grandkids. Now I have always tried to live a good Christian life but really didn't like the idea of church very much. As we spoke, you could tell this guy was on fire for Christ. His words somehow touched me more then most. He shared that through life's challenges he learned that as a father (and grandfather) one has to really walk the walk. I told him that we have always spoke to our boys about Christ, but he said that wasn't good enough. As a father, my boys look at everything I do. They look to me as their prime example in life. What am I teaching them by riding my bike on Sunday and not going to church. Is riding a bike more important then giving thanks to the Power that allows me to do so?? This guy poured out his heart, and he has no idea how much it has effected my life. I thought about him and all his words the entire trip home. I've been going to church ever since. I still get my rides in but church is first. I spend time with my boys, and if there is time left, I get in a good ride. Today was one of those days. We went to church, after church my oldest son and I played some baseball, then both boys and I went for a bike ride, and finally aroung 3:30 I got in my ride. I was a great day.

In summary, I learned so much from a guy that I had never met before. This guy, unexpectantly lost his wife to cancer. In doing so, it taught me to cherish what I have and to live in moment. He helped put my priorities in order. Funny thing is, he has no clue how much of an impression he made on my life. I still don't know his name, but I think of him often and pray that he doing well. If you're a dad, remember your kids look to you more than you could ever imagine. Whether they are 3 or 16 years old, you are their example. Set the bar high for yourself and your kids will follow. The road to follow Christ is definitely not an easy one, but it sure is worth the ride.

Thanks for reading. If your a cycling fan, don't forget to watch OLN (now Versus) on Sundays. The Tour of California has started.