Physically, I was better prepared than in recent years. I had trained hard. I had ridden over 8000km outdoors since the snow disappeared, plus countless hours on the trainer indoors.
Logistically, we were ready, with a fantastic support crew in place earlier than ever before.
Emotionally, I was strong, celebrating 10 years of full-time volunteer work on behalf of formerly orphaned or abandoned kids. The goal to collect water from the Arctic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico to add to the waters already collected from the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans representing the hundreds of MCF supporters was sincere.
My cycling goal was realistic, with reaching the finish line more important than shaving off a few hours or even days.
We ‘managed’ adversity well along the way, handling the Dalton Highway almost flawlessly. As the anticipated fluid set in during Day 5, I adjusted my time and effort on the bike. I felt we had things under control.
Then in 1 second it all changed.
Why did this have to happen? Was this in God’s plan all along?
My understanding of things are this way:
God ‘allowed’ it to happen, but it was not His plan to sabotage our effort. My crew and I were responsible for all aspects of the ride, including staying upright on the bike. The Dalton Highway had way more dangerous situations, yet we came through it safely.
My reaction to this is what is important. I can be angry, frustrated, feel defeated, etc or I can accept it, learn and grow from it and move on.
I am convinced that ‘good’ can and will come out of this.
Perhaps the ‘good’ will be in the form of books that we handed out to the medical staff in Watson Lake in northern BC. The lab technician told me during my second visit 48 hours later that she was already 75% through one book and totally taken by it. Or the books that are in the hands of all Winnipeg City Councillors and Mayor handed out during the 29 hour city commute promo ride.
Perhaps it is the extra time I now have to contact potential and existing MCF supporters.
Perhaps we avoided a more serious accident down the road
Perhaps it is the benefit/lessons/discipline I learn each year while getting my body and mind ready to tackle another extreme challenge, and then in this case only to find out that I will not have an opportunity to use this preparation to (what I perceive to be) its fullest.
Perhaps it is my reaction and example (good or bad) to handling disappointment.
Perhaps I just need to be reminded of the truth found in Romans 8, verse 28; “We know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.”
I look forward to discovering what God will do through this ‘disappointment’.
Appreciate the pondering of the “whys” of life. For sure, God is not a sadist, and, as I always tell my kids, “life happens.” Really the only thing you can do, whether it’s a bicycle exploit or anything else in life, is to “get back on the bike.” Our understanding is limited and we certainly can’t begin to even comprehend why evil triumphs over good sometimes. We can only humbly acknowledge our indebtedness to someone greater than the time and space we operate in.