Written by: Ruth Waite
It’s my turn to write again! We’ve been on the ride for nearly four weeks now. I am a lot stronger than when I began the journey, and I can do things I couldn’t do previously.
Two days ago, we rode along a bike path through Silverthorn, CO. The bike path ended at the Dillon reservoir—9,017 feet elevation. To get from the river level to the top of the dam required going up a bike path with lots of switchbacks. There was even a little sign to show that it was steep, just like the steep road signs.
I rode all the way to the top without stopping, and then the wind hit me. There was about a mile left to go to reach our rest stop, so I kept going. When I got to the rest stop, I exclaimed, “I am seriously amazing!” That surprised everyone, I think. I got off the bike to get some snacks, and just started crying. People kept asking, “Are those happy tears, Ruth?” I got some hugs, too.
There have only been a few times when I was so happy and proud of myself that I cried. I will definitely remember that day! It makes me laugh, though, that I proclaimed to the world how amazing I am! That’s definitely how I felt, though!
Thinking more deeply, I am impressed by the way that people are willing to help each other, both with chores and with cycling. It reminds me that the best way to change the world is not by fighting against what is wrong, but by simply living a better way. As we travel along and encounter obstacles, we are getting constant lessons in working together and in living a better way. I think this is especially true on our build days, when we work with those who need help with their housing needs.
One of my favorite descriptions of the kingdom of God is in Luke 13:20-21. “Again he asked, ‘What shall I compare the kingdom of God to? It is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into a large amount of flour until it worked all through the dough.'” Living out the kingdom of God is the way to change the world. It is the only way to change the world.
