Today I went on a really long bike ride with a friend who is in pretty good biking shape and let's just say...I'm not, but I'm always up for a challenge! We took a new route and didn't exactly have much of an idea of what the landscape would be or anything like that. Well...it turned out to be full of many challenging hills, but also one of the most beautiful places around Ohio that I have seen thus far. As I was riding and fighting to breathe and pedal at the same time I got to thinking about how this bike ride reminds me a little bit about PA school. I know this sounds like a cliche comparison...but I promise I'm going somewhere with this. Just in the short time I've been in school I have had to learn many different things about studying, interacting with others, scheduling, and other useful skills. Some of these have proven to be more challenging than others and there are days where I find myself thinking, "this is only the summer session, am I going to die in the fall"? I realized today on one of the first hills we went up I asked myself a version of the same question, "this is only the first hill, am I going to make it all 18.5 miles??" By the end of the ride I found myself putting my head down and charging up a hill, not thinking of what would be on the other side or how many miles were left, but just focusing on the task at hand. Sometimes I had to stop on the hill, which was frustrating, but I was able to start right back up again and make it a little further and further each time. I know there are going to be some really big hills that I have to face in school, as well as some really nice downward slopes where I can just let the wind carry me down without much work. But, its encouraging to know that no matter what part of the hill I'm on, God is right there next to me cheering me on and giving me all that I need to succeed, I just need to take my mind off of trying to succeed on my own; or looking to see what's next; and rely completely on Him. I am so thankful to serve such a patient and loving God that cares so deeply and personally for me.
Thanks for listening to my biking story :)
Oh, I would also like to give an update and say that my dad is doing so much better. Thank you so much to those lifting him up in prayer, visiting, and making meals for my family. The bruised nerve is giving him some pain, as it is trying to heal, but other than that is doing very well. Thanks again!
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