First Day Out in the Rain!

Well, I got off to an interesting start. I spent the morning around the house with Kelly. We were watching the weather, hoping that the rain would let up. However, no luck! So, I ended up “rigging for rain.” Full rain gear, covers for the bags, etc… making sure everything stays nice and dry. I dislike riding in the rain, but sometimes you got to do what you got to do.
 

All in all it was a nice ride. Only one unintended “detour” (down a weird mountain road somewhere in backwoods Western North Carolina) but I quickly got back on the right track. The more I rode, the more the rain became virtually non-existent. It cleared up the closer I got to Salisbury, NC as I headed to my Son Kyle and his wife Kara’s house. About 80 miles out I stopped and took off the rain suit. 


Today, I’m thinking about fears. So many have approached me when preparing for the trip, scared for me being out there “on my own” on the open road. Fear is natural, we need fear sometimes to keep our selves from doing something that will hurt us. My fear is not of the road ahead, but it’s the fear of letting go. As I embark on the journey, I leave my regular responsibilities behind me. I need to let go of them and trust and know that the people of St. James will be fine.

This is the day after the Ascension of Our Lord and marks 40 days since we celebrated his glorious resurrection. Jesus prayed deeply for his followers prior to ascending to heaven that they continue the mission they had been given, even though he were not physically present with them. However, Jesus was in fact, still with them, though not as they were accustomed to seeing him. He said he would be with them to the end of the ages and trusted them to act and do as he taught them. 

Everyone knows that I constantly think about and pray for the people that I am called to serve. I may not be physically with them, but I am there in spirit.

Challenge to St. James: Rely on one another these next few months. Exercise your baptismal calling to love and minister to one another, knowing that I am holding all of you in prayer.

Challenge to Self: Learn to trust and let go! Be comfortable with what God may have in store for St. James in your absence. 

Greeneville, TN - Salisbury, NC
Ride: 172 miles






Location: Salisbury, NC, USA

Comments

  1. tammy4peaceMay 31, 2025 at 12:23 PM

    I’m so excited for you and your journey! You are in my thoughts and prayers as you follow God’s Holy Spirit on this adventure of learning and growth! May your relationship with yourself and with Christ gain new depths of understanding and joy. Godspeed!

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