Headwinds and Tailwinds

The weather has been tremendous for this time of year--allowing an earlier start to the outdoor riding season. The warm weather also brings with it rather strong winds. The other day I knew that the winds were out of the SSW at about 25 miles per hour--stiff by most measures. So I decided to head into the wind for the outbound portion of the ride and to get the wind at my back for the final leg.

It was tough. I am always surprised at how the effect of wind on a cyclist seems so much stronger than I recall as a runner. I found myself battling the headwind over the course of the first 13 miles or so, with only an occasional turn of the road that created a crosswind. Much of that time I was consoled only by the thought that when I headed for home on the final leg of the ride, the tailwind would be sweet. My attitude would probably have been much different if I could not have been confident that there would be a strong tailwind section of the ride. If I was uncertain about whether I could trade my extra effort now for a push from behind later, it would have been much harder to continue to push on through the route that I had chosen.

We all know that sometimes life is difficult--and far more challenging than a stiff headwind. Economic uncertainty, relational collapse, environmental catastrophe--not to mention the daily struggles to hold it all together--are daunting life experiences. How can we stay strong and press through? By knowing that there will be a tailwind. We may not know exactly when. But there will be one.

It was the Creator of all that is who said, "I will never leave you or forsake you." And who also assures us, "All things work together for good for those who love God and who are called according to His purpose."

After making the turn, the tailwind-assisted ride was thrilling (including a half mile stretch at the fastest speed that I have ever ridden). But as I made my way to the end of the ride, I realized that while the tailwind section was fun, the headwind section was somehow more satisfying. Don't get me wrong, I appreciated the relief that the tailwind afforded. But the effort into the headwind made the tailwind so much sweeter. And being confident that the tailwind was coming made it much easier to be OK with battling the headwind.

Pressing on,
-Ken