Yesterday’s quote about choices and fear reminded me of the traffic we encountered on our 2013 tour of Florida. (Originally posted nine years ago) + + + The paparazzi greeted us in the hotel parking lot. Actually, it was two student reporters from the Florida University TV/radio operation, but it’s sorta fun saying paparazzi. One guy […]
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How To Pray
American teenager Coco Gauff won the US Open Tennis Tournament on Saturday. A wonderful accomplishment, for sure, but most impressive was her post-match interview. After kneeling briefly to pray, this articulate young woman skipped the typical platitudes and spoke clearly about faith, family, and overcoming adversity. When the interviewer inquired about the prayer, Ms. Gauff […]
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I Don’t Know (And That’s A Good Thing)
As a new teacher, the scariest thing in the world was a question I couldn’t answer. I figured the students were looking for any cracks in the armor, and not-knowing seemed like the ultimate weakness. So I manipulated and managed my classroom to make sure I looked like the expert. Controlling every detail required an […]
Continue readingMore TagDreams Are Messy
If it’s worth the effort, it’s likely didn’t happen the way you imagined. God-sized dreams are generally messy, difficult, and scary. It takes courage and trust to look beyond challenge to see opportunity. I love this video! I admire the sort of creativity that can capture and express an idea so powerfully and succinctly. I invite you […]
Continue readingMore TagWhen A Simple Lesson Changed Everything
Where were you the first time your brain exploded? I was a college freshman during the winter of 1969-70. In one of those huge psychology lectures the professor showed a slide, a photo of a Marine ROTC student in full dress uniform. The reactions were immediate and visceral. Babykiller! Murderer! Hero! More guts than any […]
Continue readingMore TagWhy We Need Bridges (And Why They Scare Us)
I’m fascinated by rivers, paths, and bridges. Aside from the people I encounter, rivers, paths, and bridges are consistently the most interesting and inspiring features of nearly any bike ride. In nearly every setting there seems to be some sort of unique charm. This captivation sort of evolved within my parallel interests of cycling and writing. […]
Continue readingMore TagCubs Win! The Power Of A Story
You probably heard–the Chicago Cubs won the World Series. After 108 years of futility, of being the Lovable Losers, of Wait Til Next Year, they finally won. I’m sure you heard about it, even if you don’t follow baseball, even if you don’t like sports, because the Cubs’ victory was about something much bigger than […]
Continue readingMore TagInspired By Hope
Five years ago I was riding my bike 1500 miles. One of the most enjoyable aspects of the ride was long hours to think, ponder, and just be alone with God. You know you’re lost in your thoughts when you lose track of which state you’re riding in. # # # I wonder if I’m motivated or […]
Continue readingMore TagHow Will You Fill Your Tiles?
My friend Eric and I had breakfast in one of those old restaurants with the one-foot square checkered tile floors. We’re about the same age. He said, “Here’s a good way to visualize our legacy and the work we still want to do. “Count out seven of those tiles and let each one represent a […]
Continue readingMore TagDoes The Process Matter?
Results-focused thinking is dangerous. Five years ago we were riding along the Mississippi River near Cape Girardeau, Missouri. A post called Traveling Well contrasted two rides and prompted some thoughts about current events. “It’s about the journey, not the result.” Thursday’s ride was about as routine as it gets. Straight roads, wide shoulders, a fair amount […]
Continue readingMore TagHaunting Memories
Four years ago we took a bike ride to Washington DC. We had a great time but I’m still, in many ways, haunted by what I learned during that trip. At the conclusion I visited the MLK Memorial and wrote a post titled I Can’t Un-Know. I’ve heard individual stories from victims of human trafficking, […]
Continue readingMore TagDay By Day
Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos won the 2016 Nobel Peace Prize. You and I, and most of the people we know, won’t win a Nobel Prize. But every choice we make impacts others, often in ways we never see. Jon started walking a few years ago. Then running. Last week he ran a marathon. Rustin […]
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