The final hour of the journey of over nine months of preparation, training and 222 miles seated on a hard bike seat had finally come. After Susan got her flat tire repaired, all the cyclists were headed for the finish line
I remember being about a mile out when I saw them, my two girls along with my sister and her family standing along the side of the road cheering us on. It was a great sight to see, those who loved us, bringing us encouragement to finish the race strong
As we were getting closer, it was decided all the cyclists would cross the finish line as a group. The leader had everyone pull over and wait at a local gas station for those who were bringing up the rear. Once everyone arrived, we clipped into our pedals one last time on this ride and started down the street
As we turned the last corner and rode under a sign that welcomed us to the finish line, all I could do was put a huge smile on my face. I had done it! I had rode 222 miles in three days and lived to tell about it. People were there from all over to greet us and to celebrate our accomplishment
After getting off our bikes, we took one last group picture and then headed into the church where we had finished for a time of celebration. The church provided food and drink along with one large cake for us to enjoy with everyone
It was a wonderful opportunity to close this chapter of our lives together as a group and to celebrate the fact that regardless of the challenges and struggles we faced along the bike route, we finished strong
I don't know where you are at in your journey of life. For some of you, you are still clipped into your pedals just trying to keep your feet moving and your tires spinning. You are tired and are not sure if you can keep going or not
For others, you are experiencing another flat tire and have found yourself along the side of the road trying to repair what is broken in your life. You have tried different things and still are not sure what it is going to take to cross the finish line
Still others are riding along this journey of life and are enjoying the sights around you. You love your life and where you are headed
Wherever you are on this life journey, don't forget to celebrate. You may be saying, "I don't have anything to celebrate. My life is not what I want it to be." I would venture to guess you have something in your life you should thank God for even when things are not the way you wish
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