It was the weirdest feeling.
On my way to work this morning I rode just a few suburbs away to Bassendean to see a group of cyclists embark on a trip across the Nullarbor. Members of the Bike for Bibles team flew or drove across from New South Wales so that they could head across Australia on bikes.
I’ve cycled across the Nullarbor 5 times with Bike for Bibles so I expected to feel rather emotional seeing a bunch of riders head off towards the hills. I remember back in 1988 seeing a group of riders, including some good friends, heading off from Perth to complete their round Australia trip. I so much wanted to be with them. I knew that in a couple of months I would be cycling across to Canberra and I’d meet up with them there but at the time I just wanted to hop on my bike and go. (I’m the one on the right in the attached picture which was taken in 2003 on my last cycling trip across Australia. Click on the picture for a closer look.)
As for this morning, I’d have to admit that there was a part of me that wanted to cycle off with them to share the amazing journey they’re undertaking but the feeling wasn’t anywhere near as strong as I thought it would be. I’d love to cycle across Australia again and hopefully I’ll get that chance sometime but deep inside I just knew that this wasn’t my time.
What made the difference? I guess part of it is that I’m more than happy doing what I’m doing right now. I know that there are all kinds of adventures out there and there are many things that I’d enjoy doing but I can’t do them all. My satisfaction isn’t reliant on doing or not doing but by being in the place that is right for me at the time.
There’s a wonderful sense of peace that comes from knowing that you’re right where God wants you to be right now.
Posted by Rodney Olsen
Technorati Tags: Bike for Bibles – Nullarbor – Cycling – Satisfaction
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That’s nice. I’m not sure I can say that.
Thanks so much for sharing this. I heard you say this at the beginning of your programme yesterday and was very moved. So very glad that the text is here to read it again. Good on you! It is always very evident that you love God and love your family and love your job, in the way you speak in the mornings. You are truly sincere and a great witness of the Christian life. It was just wonderful to hear you express this all so plainly on air. I praised God for you and prayed that you will continue to know this great contentment that comes from God. God bless you richly.