OUTDOOR TRUTHS: The climb
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By Gary Miller
I’ve been riding a bicycle for about ten years now. It has been an enjoyable exercise that has allowed me to see new areas and to see old areas from a different perspective. Like any exercise, you have to mix up the routine to keep from being bored. For the past three months, my rides have almost exclusively been at my national park. The rides are short but difficult. I ride to the top of the Pinnacle Outlook and back down. The whole trip is only seven miles. But the 3.5 miles to the top covers 1300 feet of elevation. To give you a little perspective, I noticed on a recent trip that on the way back down, I coasted for 2.25 miles. That’s the fun part. The hard part is on the way up. It’s also the most enjoyable and beneficial. Since I do this at daybreak, I’ve seen all kinds of animals including bears. And because I’m on Park property, the deer are nearly tame. (I say “Good Morning” to them as I ride by) The main reason I decided this route was because I wouldn’t have to be concerned about any traffic, and therefore my mind could focus on the things I preferred. Mainly an early morning dose of the Bible. There is one black preacher I’ve been listening to each time I make the climb. And boy has he been informative and entertaining. I have loved listening to him. But here’s what I have noticed. It’s been how clear God has given me answers to many of my prayers. His words to me have been so clear when it comes to certain things. It’s like the blend of His creation and His word, have pierced through my solitude and simplicity. Even the distractions are God-made. I have honed my listening, and my directions and decisions have become clearer.
I’m reminded of the days of my childhood, riding in the car with my father. If the weather was bad, he would always tell us kids to be quiet while he was driving. It seemed that what he heard affected what he saw. I always thought that was odd until I began to do the same thing. Even now, if I’m driving in bad weather, I move my seat up, lean in toward the windshield, and turn the music off. Evidently, what I hear determines what I see. As I ride my bike, I understand it even more. What I have learned is this. If am to get God’s perspective on my day, my difficulties, and my decisions, I must intentionally move myself to a place where He can most easily penetrate my spirit. And I must monitor what goes into my mind. For me, the perfect blend of His creation and His word, mixed with my willingness to climb with Him, has made the rest of the hours in my day feel like I’m coasting.
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■ Gary Miller has written Outdoor Truths articles for 21 years. He has also written five books which include compilations of his articles and a father/son devotional. He also speaks at wild-game dinners and men’s events for churches and associations. Stay updated on Outdoor Truths each week by subscribing at Outdoortruths.org.
