Everyone has a story.
We just completed COLORADO MOUNTAIN TOUR 2024 – 4 days of cycling with 11 people in the beautiful mountains of Colorado. I could tell you about thousands of miles of riding and tens of thousands of feet of climbing, but that’s not what our time was about.
These folks got together to do something difficult because they believe in the value of shared sacrifice. They believe going far together is more important than going fast alone.
They believe in community.
Before we began, Becky and I chose a theme: “Stories of Hope.” We asked someone to share a story each evening.
We didn’t plan the occasions when someone told an amazing story without being prompted. Sitting in a circle at lunch or gathered during a rest break, these stories enriched our time together in powerful ways.
Everyone has a story.
I confess – I’m not always good at remembering this lesson. I get in a rush. The destination too often becomes priority #1. I need experiences like this tour with this remarkable group of people to remind me.
Following Jesus isn’t about fast. It’s about together.
It isn’t about comfort. It’s about sacrifice, about servant leadership.
It isn’t about being blessed. It’s about using what we’re given, to be a blessing to others.
Following Jesus isn’t about winning or being a winner or getting credit. It’s about walking humbly.
I needed to remember. Perhaps you did, too.