It is summer in this part of the world, and we are drawn to being out-of-doors. With warm temps and more daylight, we feel a need to recreate in the natural world.
When our grandson was five years old, he told his parents that he needed nine dollars. This was a surprising request from someone not yet experienced with money. When asked why, he replied that he needed a bike for his bell – correcting himself, a bell for his bike. His parents asked him about the purpose of the bell; he said he would ring it! It would signal everyone within hearing that he was on his bike and on the move.
He acquired the bell, and we watched him with great delight ride the bike accompanied by much bell ringing – so much fun!
Bicycle riding, as I recall from my youth, is a superb recreation. So many skills come into play, including focus, energy, care, and balance, among others. The mechanics of riding puts us in touch with the terrain. We can feel where we are going. We hear the tires grip the surface. We feel the wind in our face, the exertion of a climb, the coast of a downward slope, and the steady distance of level ground.
I’ve noticed that when cyclists bike in a group, there is a shared commitment to the ride, a communal encouragement. Occasional conversation gives way to a kind of solitude, a dedicated focus on the journey. I think there are similarities to running, hiking, or walking – healthy for the body and good for the soul. We are in touch with the earth – we experience a sense of well-being.
Maybe the energy and focus we bring to our recreation can offer insight into how we experience prayer as a source of joy and wellbeing.
During a recent shoreline walk, we heard a buoy bell’s distant ring across the water. It was a spirited sound, the play of wind and wave. It joyfully called to mind creation’s vitality.
I believe that throughout our lives, God’s Spirit is quietly calling us to a deeper awareness of how He restores and recreates us.
Let our family prayer open us to God’s Holy Spirit calling us to take delight in His Creation.
“Shout with joy to the LORD, all the earth; break into song; sing praise.” (Psalm 98:4)