Wednesday 10 April 2013

You know that old phrase "a moment on the lips, a lifetime on the hips"? I now have my own version, and it runs like this: a moment in the eyes, months in the saddle.

Perhaps I should explain. A few weeks ago I was pursuing one of my favourite leisure activities - poking round a local charity shop looking for nothing in particular. On my way in, as the bell jangled above the shop door, I noticed a poster all about a charity cycle event. Intrigued, I slipped a copy into my pocket, and decided to investigate further. One thing led to another, and the net result is that one night in June this year I shall be cycling 100km across London by night in order to raise funds for a local hospice. This is a bit of a challenge for a man who occasionally pedals gently round the park!

The training is under way, and it definitely hurts! Just last week I set off from the house in light rain, thinking such a small thing shouldn't put me off. That was all very well, but half way round my ride the wind got up, the rain got heavier, and then it turned to hail. There was no choice but to carry on, and by the time I got back it was as if not only my clothing, but my whole self needed wringing out!

The thing is, when the going gets tough it really does help to know that you have got people behind you. When the wind is howling in my face, or the hill feels far steeper than it did last time - I only have to think of those who have already sponsored me to keep going.

As a Pastor I see people facing challenging circumstances day in day out. They lose their jobs, they lose their loved ones, they tackle illness and distress of every kind. Time and time again, their faith helps them, and their fellow Christians prop them up. There's an old verse in the Bible and it runs like this:

Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not easily broken.

[I might just have to remember that when I get half way across Tower Bridge and the wind starts to blow! ]