Category: Reflections

This isn’t home. As a follower of Jesus, that’s the eternal perspective that helps us make sense of an otherwise senseless world. We’re not home yet. C.S. Lewis said we’re rebels in enemy-held territory. We may know the ultimate result of the war, but knowing makes the battle no less pleasant. And while we’re here, […]

Some of the best things to learn are things you already knew. Last week I finally got my bike off the trainer, out of the garage, and on the road. I’ve cranked more than 30,000 miles since I started handcycling, and I still love revisiting the feeling of joy on that initial ride after a […]

I’m not much of a movie snob. Becky and I watch movies for entertainment. We don’t care much about critics or Academy Awards. At times, we choose a romantic comedy so that we can laugh and snuggle in bed together. Other times we might be in the mood to watch some movie with superheroes or […]

The guy asked what we could do to make people feel safe. I thought it was the wrong question, but I listened to see where the conversation would lead. Eventually the discussion produced this astonishing statement: “The secret to doing important work is feeling safe.” Do you agree? As a teacher I concluded that productive […]

Do you have a childhood hero? Henry Aaron played baseball and lived his life with humility and grace. In the summer after fifth grade I could walk to Milwaukee County Stadium, pay fifty cents, and watch this great man play right field for the Milwaukee Braves in the prime of his career. Even better, my […]

If you’ve been here awhile, you know Monte’s part of the team. I’m probably biased, but he’s pretty special. Beyond being a great dog, Monte lives with a specific purpose. His entire life is dedicated to service. Monte was selected as a small puppy based on particular personality traits. For months, skilled trainers developed and […]

I have a cycling enemy. Lots of people would think the enemy might be miles, but I can do miles. Some would choose speed, but I don’t fuss about speed so that’s not an issue for me. I picture my enemy as a troll who sits at the bottom of every single hill, even the small […]

My friend Paul and I talked a while back about the benefits of a bike adventure combined with a social justice mission. We shared stories of riders who exceeded everyone’s expectations because they were riding for something bigger than themselves. I said I wish everyone could have that sort of experience and sometimes I struggle […]

Most of our society’s like a football game: a lot of people who desperately need exercise sit around and watch a small group of people who desperately need rest. In an entertainment-driven culture, that’s how it works. We don’t take the risk and try things; we watch the experts do it for us. We get […]

A new friend asked me about sponsoring RICH’S RIDE. His request provided a great opportunity to re-examine our “value proposition,” a fancy way of defining what we offer in exchange for the dollars we receive. Our sponsors are incredibly generous, and the value proposition is how we make sure we’re accountable, responsible stewards. The goal, […]

It’s good to be held accountable, even when it stings. My odometer’s about to turn over 600 miles for the year. It’s all been indoors, on the trainer, staring at the same view of the garage wall. Frankly, it can get a little boring. Earlier this week I was telling the guys in my Harvest […]

Are you one of the many folks consumed right now with something called “Bracketology”? The NCAA basketball tournament started this week. People who haven’t watched a college basketball game all year are suddenly fans as they try to predict which teams will advance and eventually win what’s known as March Madness. Seems like everyone fills out at […]