Pneuma is the Greek word for wind, used in the bible as Spirit or breath of God.
“The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” (John 3:8)
So when Jesus spoke to Nicodemus about being reborn, “wind” and “Spirit” come from the same root word.
On the FREEDOM TOUR we had several days of strong headwinds. Pedaling a bike into the wind tends to inspire less spiritual emotions. I don’t imagine folks were thinking “Wow, can you feel the breath of God?”
Friday’s word-of-the-day was HEART. As we circled together in the cool morning in La Junta I doubt if anyone realized how much heart would be required to conquer the week’s longest ride–a mostly uphill 81 miles with 2760 feet elevation gain ending in Trinidad.
Morning rides are always the best. Fresh legs, high energy, cool temps, anticipation, but as sun and temperatures climbed the pleasant breeze slowly became a gusty 15-20 mph wind whipping the prairie grass. With 55-60 miles of rolling hills ahead, the team faced a tough challenge.
Our support team created a much-needed lunchtime oasis in the abandoned town of Thayer. After cooling off and replenishing energy supplies, riders prepared for the final 40 miles. At that point we saw a big piece of what this thing is about.
Riding in the wind is easier when you ride as a group and take turns leading to break the wind for the other riders. A group of strong riders can make great time using this strategy.
One rider was struggling to keep pace. There might have been grumbling. Stronger riders might have left the weaker rider to battle the wind alone, or encouraged her to give up rather than slow the group down. But that’s not what happened.
Two of the fastest riders dropped back and formed a group of three, and together they shared the work during that final difficult stretch. Another group of three paced them, and a team traveled those last difficult miles together.
Others arrived earlier, but as I watched that group ride down Trinidad’s main street, hot, sweaty, tired, with huge, beaming smiles, tears welled in my eyes. And I believe I may have sensed pneuma, the breath of God, carrying them to the finish line.
I admire those who can ride bikes fast, but this tour is about something else. I do this so people can ride bikes together for a common purpose and experience a spirit of shared sacrifice.
On the old main street of Trinidad, in a mix of hot wind, cool pneuma, tears, sweat, laughter, and relief, I got to see the journey of hope come together right before my eyes.
As the team that shared this struggle raised their arms in triumph, I turned to someone and exclaimed, “THAT’S what this is all about.”
No gold medals or winner’s jerseys on this tour. Just big smiles, big hearts, and big spirits.
Awesome!!!