Everything felt wrong.

It was harder than it should have been. I had done this many times. But it was the first time out this summer.

And my focus was off.

I gripped the handlebars tightly. There were areas with steep ravines. My mind began to play tricks on me. An invisible force was trying to pull me off the path.

Never taking my eyes off the front tire I forged ahead. 

Halfway down the mountain it was inevitable.

A launch over the handlebars.

Further down the trail my team of fellow bikers had pulled to the side and waited. And waited …

Eventually I pulled up with half the dirt of the mountain embedded into my shirt and face. I didn’t have to tell the story. The details on full display.

My son who is an incredible mountain biker gave me some much needed advice.

A lesson for speeding down a mountain trail.

And a lesson for life.

It’s a new calendar year. School has begun. Back to those crazy, yet necessary routines.

Teacher conferences, that never-ending list of school supplies, and ohhh … the traffic. Football games, peer pressure, and late-night science projects.

Back to long work hours, not enough sleep, and trying to save for Christmas-in-how-many-weeks?

Whether you’re a parent or a grandparent we're raising a new generation. And working for our future. Desperate to keep life balanced as we battle in the trenches while still trying to visualize the goal.

Life is a workout. Our physical, emotional, and spiritual muscles put to the test. The more we work them, the stronger we become. 

Don’t let the sticks and stones consume you. They’re a part of every trail. It’s having an eternal perspective. A fixed focus.

On Him.

So take a deep breath. Climb up on your bike and hang on tight. Another adventure awaits. Excited for another new beginning, yet bracing ourselves for a season of ups and downs. Sharp turns and twists a certainty on life's path.

One bit of advice.

From one who recently did a face plant.

Keep your chin up and eyes on where you’re going.