The Calm Before The Storm

Tonight our team gathers for the first time; the 500-mile journey begins on Saturday.

The time leading up to a tour gets a little crazy. Becky and our support team have about a million logistical details to handle, but my role is different. I try to slow down and reflect. One way I do that is by leaning on our traditions.

Last Monday Monte and I took you on a neighborhood tour. Yesterday I did my last training ride and stopped at this traditional spot because it’s symbolic of what the upcoming tour is all about–a stretch of open road, a blank canvas on which to write a great story, and a hill that conceals the next turn.

I asked God to give everyone on the FREEDOM TOUR team an open heart to perceive what He’s prepared for us just over the hill. I asked for a deep sense of community to develop during the course of the week. I just had a few moments of quiet time on my bike beside the road in this special place.

Then I played our theme song. (Did you know we had a theme song? Check it out below.) An observer might have thought it was a bit silly, a guy sitting all alone on a bike listening to a song about dreams. But traditions are like that–those who don’t know the story always think they’re pointless.

Wasn’t pointless to me. This brief moment offered an opportunity to slow down, to experience the peace and hope I believe God wants to weave into the fabric of our week.

I hope you follow the FREEDOM TOUR journey next week. I hope our ride is a sign of peace, joy, freedom, and love.

We would love to hear from you throughout the week..and beyond. You can leave a comment here or on Facebook.

The journey begins! It’s gonna be a blast!