Each time we hit the mountain bike trails in Crosby, MN I never know what lesson God will have for me, but as I go through the woods, He’s always speaking to my heart. I love that about God. He desires fellowship with us. He will speak, if we leave space for that still small voice.

Lesson one:

This one isn’t new to me, cuz I’m a bit stubborn (just a teeny tiny bit). I still have pride pop up, much to my chagrin. But I’ve learned something kind of cool about myself in this biking journey. I’m no longer too prideful to ask for advice or to take it when offered- I admit it used to bug the snot outta me. I was just fine, thank you very much. But lately I’ve been asking for Keith’s opinion, wanting to do this better, vs my way. Whew! That’s huge for this stubborn girl. “Babe, what am I doing wrong that my hands keep falling asleep? Should I adjust my shifting? Do you think I’m ready for this hill?” Just a few simple questions that helped me notice that I was continuing to grow, not just be right all the time. Am I the only woman that battles that? Needing to be right? So glad I’ve released that disrespectful and ridiculous idea. It sure never served me or my marriage well.

Lesson two: The body keeps score.

There are a couple of spots in the trail that I was noticing I would start to feel tense and nervous as we approached. I couldn’t figure out why until I realized around the bend that those are the places that I crashed and injured myself. My body knew where I was before my eyes did. How crazy is that?!  I’ve had to practice some affirmations and reassure myself verbally that I was OK, that I was safe, and that I could do this. My body was responding to the trauma and I’ve had to practice some techniques to get me beyond it.  I’ve also yelled like a Sasquatch when I get beyond those places and they haven’t defeated me! “Yesssss! You did it! That buhrm sucks! You’re a beast!” Celebrating those wins verbally also helps me tamp down the anxiety that was trying to flare. Our minds are very powerful! Last week as we approached those spots I barely noticed. They no longer have control over me.

Lesson three:

Do the hard things. The easy things are easy. They don’t strengthen you, grow you or help you be better. Comfort zones keep us comfortable, not advancing. That’s a lot to chew on in and of itself. I never wanna stay stuck or “safe”. I want to keep breaking down barriers and allow the Lord to stretch me into spaces that I can only lean on Him for success, and in the process, He gets all the glory! Am I right?