I saw a group of cyclist out for a ride recently. I could tell by their bikes, their attire and their formation that they were avid riders. Suddenly I was brought back in my mind to an earlier season in my own life. Many of you won't remember this, but many years ago at church had a cycling group that went out every Saturday morning for a 25 to 30 mile bike ride. We call ourselves the “Holy Rollers.” (original, I know). We were pretty serious about it. Good bikes. Clipped in pedals. Bike computers to track our speed, distance, spin and calories. We even had custom shirts!
But one of the things I most remember about those group rides was pulling and drafting. If you have ever watched a group of cyclists go by, you've probably seen this. The riders pull into tight single-file formation. They pull in close enough that the front wheel of one cyclist is just a few inches from the rear wheel of the one head of them. By doing this, a draft effect is created that helps the cyclists to pull one another along, allowing them to go faster and further expending less energy. The rider at the front of the line is essentially pulling as all those in formation behind them who draft.
What really made this work is that from time to time the cyclists in the front would drop back in the formation as a new rider would take the point position to pull. Once we got good at it, it was a thing of beauty, each group member taking turns pulling and drafting. It often reminded me of the nature of Christian community as I believe God intended it. In life, there are times when we really need to draft. We need to be surrounded by others who will help to pull us along when we could really use a little support and assistance. Then there will be times in life when we can pull. There are those seasons when we are feeling strong and can help to pull others along. When we alternate our times of drafting and pulling it allows us all to get through life better. This, I believe, is why God gave us Christian community.
I've also been out, at times, cycling by myself. But to be honest, I did not enjoy it in the same way. I did not go as far and I certainly did not go as fast. And to be honest, I missed the fellowship of the other riders. It was a completely different experience to go out on my own. I think during Covid, for many of us it felt like cycling on our own. We missed that support and fellowship. So I, for one, I'm grateful that we are coming back together. I can feel community being restored in a way that allows us to support others and be supported, to draft and to pull. And I look forward to it continuing to grow stronger in the days ahead.
Love you all,
Pastor Steve
Men: Just a reminder that there is still time to register for the Iron Sharpens Iron one day regional Men’s Conference on Saturday April 30th. You can get all the details in the newsletter.