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We arrived in Mankato early today (around 2:00) and rested. We will probably have to ride in the rain on Tuesday, but we only have about 350 miles to go to Rockford, Il. on Tuesday.
Each day Grace and I have some scripture to look at and contemplate about journeys depicted in scripture. It seems every movement of God involves journey and travel. Nothing worthwhile ever occured in scripture without someone taking a risk and taking a journey to accomplish it. Journeys sometimes involved someone going someplace special like Noah (who was really just adrift) or Abraham where God told him to GO, but gave him no specific destination. In each case, they either responded with a "Here I am Lord, Send Me!" like in Isaiah 6 or "I think I'm getting out of here!" like Jonah.
Our scripture today was in the very beginning of Genesis (3:22-24) after Adam and Eve committed sin by taking of the forbidden fruit. They had the perfect vacation spot complete with a garden, fruit trees and plenty of solitude. It was even "Clothing optional" (What's clothes?). Unlike the vacation we are enjoying, they had no expenses. God provided every need they had. I remember having car problems when we went on vacation. They didn't even have that! Yet they had another problem -- HEART PROBLEMS. The loving creator gave them life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness -- and they took the whole "liberty" thing a little too far. One of the more generous, yet dangerous gifts God gives is FREE WILL -- the freedom to obey or disobey Him.
Today as I was riding down the road, I could see a long ribbon of HWY 15 weaving south through Minnesota. I had a choice. I could drive on the right side of the center line or the left. I could drive on the road, or I could even drive in the ditch. However, there would be some pretty extreme consequences to my choice. The choice Adam and Eve made in the garden cost them paridise. They actually thought their choosing the fruit from the forbidden tree would bring them greater freedom -- at least that's what the serpant said.
When I reflect on my own life, I can see where I have traded freedom for more problems, worry and care. It is ironic that we actually gain freedom not by moving away from God, but rather to move toward God -- the giver of life. In doing so we gain relationship with the one who is holy and pure and brings complete joy and happiness. Why do I have so much trouble getting that?
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Gary
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Prayers for the journey
Steve and Grace - we are in awe of your commitment to this trip. You are doing what so many of us only get around to dreaming about. So - we are going to be living through you for the next few weeks! And during your trip, we are going to be praying for you - for safety, for your enjoyment, for your strengthening relationship with each other and for the Lord, for wonderful insights into God's grace in the everyday, for the words to share your hearts with us, and for all that you will learn and experience about this amazing world in which we live. May God be glorified through you as you ride down the road! Peace to you - our brother and sister in Christ - Gary and Cheri.