How do you relax?  This afternoon I took a 14 mile bike ride on wooded trails.  I pushed myself up the hills feeling the lactic acid building up in my legs and wondering if I could make it to the top.   Then I enjoyed speeding down wooded trails – slightly out of control, with branches hitting my helmet, attempting to discern the trail through the splotches of sunlight coming through the trees and wondering what was around the next turn – it’s a great feeling.        

It was a beautiful day as I saw turtles sunning themselves on logs in the lake and watched as a snake quickly slithered off the path.  The cool breeze was refreshing as I sped through the straight away’s and enjoyed the warm sunshine in the clearings.  I think heaven will have bike trails.

I was looking forward to a bike ride today since tomorrow I have a 14 hour work day ahead of me.  I find that when I face a long day refreshed it’s much easier to stay alert and engaged.  Too often people seek relaxation after they are already exhausted.  You can place your relaxation on the front end as well as after the event.

As I was reflecting upon my bike ride it’s a metaphor for life.  We need adventure, refreshment, and a certain amount of struggle to stay fresh.  Helen Keller said, “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.”   Jesus came to give us His life, “. . . I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly” (John 10:10).  May that be your experience.

What do you do for relaxation and refreshment?