Despite the wonderful dinner and accommodations, I woke up at 4 a.m. and couldn’t go back to sleep. I had received some sad news the night before: my cousin’s husband was in Indianapolis for the Georgia-Alabama game and died of a massive heart attack. We also heard last night about our fellow rider’s husband who had died in a bicycle accident a few years ago. Her journey since his passing and her focus and passion were inspiring.

My mind seemed distracted this morning as we prepared to ride, and I didn’t feel sharp or well rested. The ride started later this morning, too, and we had some confusion early on about a turn. Ride my GPS directed us one way yet it looked like one of our fellow riders was headed straight ahead. We came to a group decision to make the turn and ended up on a sweet quiet road on Merritt Island with the Indian River off to our right. My thoughts started to settle so that, by the first rest stop, I felt I was getting back into my groove.

One thing The Fuller Center rides have taught me is to be flexible, to go with the flow, to be grateful for all the unexpected turns of events that become insightful and memorable experiences. Just like life . . . “we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28