The Leisure Path
It didn’t matter that the skies were threatening.
Ric, being Ric, optimistically uncovered the bikes for a ride.Truthfully, I didn’t mind the dark skies, either. I needed to clear my head. The cloud cover was refreshing and it was evident that not many other bike-riders shared Ric’s level of optimism. The paths were not crowded.
What a gift it was to use those bikes.
It was sweet to be reminded of the childlike joy of riding a bike. I had forgotten the feeling of pedaling along with the breeze cooling my face and making me squint and blink.
It was equally sweet and good to follow Ric. With eyes fixed on him just twenty yards or so ahead, I had quiet space to reflect. Weaving from path to path while following my husband’s lead created this picture in my mind of the two of us navigating life’s path. Oh, how much ground we have covered together! Then I saw the sign. I had to laugh.
It read: “Leisure Path”
I don’t think any part of our life path has felt like a “leisure path.” Even the countless “easier” and joy-filled days of raising a large family and serving in church ministry and foster care have held weight and required much work. We've had to navigate some pretty bumpy and dark paths together. Ric has forged the way with me (and often for me) for almost thirty years, navigating turns and traffic and people all along the way. Over the decades each of us has encountered stretches of weariness, discouragement, and fear-inducing uncertainty, but rarely at the same time and never for a really long time. Until these last four years.
Yeesh… these past four years!
So many days within the last four years felt as though we had veered off onto a death trail. I must say, there were still days that were absolutely beautiful, miraculous, and life-giving and praise God.. I mean truly PRAISE GOD! for those days! Because… the “death trail days”... those days were so heavy. Our family was under attack again and again. The enemy had come to steal, kill and destroy, and we were in the thick of battle; declaring war against it all and pleading for the Lord to strengthen, heal, sustain and direct us. He has done so. We have made it through so much and we have witnessed miracles along the way.
The dark skies finally gave way as we biked into Harbortown.
Rain started coming fast, so we parked our bikes and sat under a majestic tree, where only some of the raindrops found their way through the leaves. While waiting there under the tree a gift was delivered in the form of a voicemail. The voicemail held a message that was a long-awaited answer to continuous prayers for our foster son and for our family. Tears of joy and relief flowed as Ric and I embraced. We were infused with new hope for the days ahead.
As we processed the news and prayed in thankfulness, Ric looked up at the tree and pointed to the huge branches- naming our children with each one.
God is still at work growing our family. Strengthening us. The roots are deep. The branches are sturdy. He’s got us. He’s leading this.
The rain let up, and we made a break for it, riding back to our sweet villa.
The smell of the air was pure, the breeze was a little cooler, and the paths were even less traveled. My heart and head continued to fill even more as I fixed my eyes ahead on Ric. His life verse (John 10:10) is an appropriate declaration as we emerge from the “death trail” season of the last four years.
The enemy comes so seek, kill and destroy, but YOU, oh, Lord! You have come to give life, and life to the full!
Of course, I don’t expect the paths ahead to fall into the “Leisure” category. Perhaps some will, but I’m sure there will be more days of battle ahead. YET I also know this: We have weathered days of battle before and by the Lord’s strength we will do so again. We will navigate this path together and the days will hold fullness of joy- even when they’re weighty- because of Jesus. The enemy’s attempts will never prevail.
Thank you, thank you, Lord.