The Delight of Doing Hard Things

Here I am having finished 3 miles of wonderful rapids on the Catawba after carting my kayak behind my bike to the launch site upstream. 

I received numerous comments as I huffed and puffed along the paved bike trail that hugged the Catawba River shore towing my kayak behind my bike. The river was high and fast, so I was a little nervous as I peddled along, my kayak behind my bicycle slowing me to my granny gear as I climbed the three hills on the bike trail. Would I be able to make it over all those rapids? I LOVE nature, but I am not a risk taker, I am not brave, and I am not eager to die quite yet.

Several people told me this was a GREAT idea as I passed them lugging the heavy kayak behind me. When I could breathe, I said, "We will see. If I make it to the end of the trail, and then I manage to stay afloat over all the rapids, then it will be a great idea."

It was NOT super easy hauling my kayak. However, I was very proud of my do it yourself kayak trailer and I did manage to make it to the launch site at the end of the bike trail. I locked my bike and cart to the bike rail, then hauled my kayak to the water. Some fishermen had warned me that they saw SEVERAL kayaks get upended over the first rapids and fill lickety-split with water. They told me to cross the river immediately and traverse the left bank rapids which were calmer and more shallow. DULY NOTED.

ready or not rapids...here I come....PS: lifejacket donned for rapids

As you can see from the videos, that was FAST water. I was pretty scared much of the time, but scary as it seemed, the water was only a foot or less deep in most places. I was not going to die, in all likelihood. After the first twenty minutes, I was beginning to relax and REALLY enjoy the adventure.


When I made it to the end of the 3-mile run, I glanced over my shoulder to see all I had done. A bald eagle was soaring above the river. I paddled back upstream to watch him, but he quickly disappeared.

Since I believe God is always speaking to me and imparting spiritual wisdom through the symbols of the day, I reflected upon the lessons of this beautiful day:

1. Sometimes doing very frightening things, even risky things, is well worth it. For example,  I was TERRIFIED by the thought of ever speaking to abortion minded women on the sidewalks of the abortion center, but now it is one of the most rewarding, joyful things I do!
2. You never know if you can do hard things until you do them. Again, as I reflect on some of the terrifying circumstances I faced in breast cancer, my sidewalk volunteer work at the SE's busiest abortion center, and my family's struggles, I can not believe I survived. But I did, and my faith is so much stronger because I went through all those hard things and felt God's continual comfort and presence.
3. Losing everything is not really everything if you cling to God. And if you cannot cling to Him, He can cling to you.
4. Doing things you have never done brings excitement to life. It is easy to grow lazy and complacent, especially as we grow older. I never imagined I would lead strangers to Jesus, speak in front of a packed City Council Chamber about the blessed sanctity of unborn life, or help a homeless couple save their unborn baby and get married....but what incredible memories and excitement about what God will do next all those unexpected new ventures helped bring to me.

As I drifted to the take out point after my wild ride down the river, I decided I might have to do it again one day.

If you want to try something hard that you can't imagine yourself ever doing please click HERE to volunteer with Cities4Life speaking for the unborn at the busy abortion center. Or just drop by...3220 Latrobe. Our team will be there  every day but Sunday when, inexplicably, they close their doors to the slaughter.
******************

John 16:33

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”