I had stopped overnight at a hotel en route to my folks, planning to use their fitness room in the morning and then travel on to NY. Alas, the fitness room had two treadmills, both in use. I would normally run when in a new place, as I love to run and explore, but the hotel was on a busy highway. No safe place to run. I was so disappointed. Exercise is critical in helping me remain calm, particularly in times of great stress.
Years ago, my young kids and I had visited a rails to trails bike path along the New River. Just as we arrived, a huge thunderstorm did as well, and lightning struck twenty feet from us. We packed up and left without ever going on this legendary trail we had heard was so beautiful. Well, I knew I was somewhere near that trail. I was up early, and only had 9 hours of driving left. I could maybe bike the trail! I mapquested it's location- just ten minutes away, and on my route to my folks!
My clownish folding bike was in the van, along with my kayak. I was ready for any adventure. I drove to New River State Park.
Everything about it was charming. The old rail station had been renovated into a gift shop. One of the old trains was parked on the grounds.
I started off on the bike path and all my troubles were forgotten. It was, bar none, the most beautiful bike ride I had ever been on. My heart was filled to overflowing with praise to God. The level path meandered through cool shaded forest, with granite cliffs to my left, and the New River to the right.
I passed through tunnels
and over countless trestles across the river.
I passed several horses, who spooked at me and my funny little bike, but then calmed as I chatted with their owners. I biked 2 1/2 hours and only stopped because I was starving and had to get back on the drive to NY.
I realized how I would have missed all of this bounty of beauty if the treadmill had been open in the tiny little fitness room. When God closes a window...He opens a DOOR. Do not fear, He was telling me, when the day seems dark and there seems no escape, no options, no joy. Heaven awaits, and it is better than you can imagine.
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And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather
into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more
value than they?
Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what
you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all
sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good
work. As it is written, “He has distributed freely, he has given to the
poor; his righteousness endures forever.” He who supplies seed to the
sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing
and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in
every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce
thanksgiving to God.
A Psalm of David. The
Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
Godless you! He send you and he bless both of us!!!!
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