Milestones and Change

 As time goes by, I've been dealing with assorted issues and baggage that we accumulate as we travel through life.  I love the idea of Alpine style mountain ascents.  Travel light, carry only what you need, go as fast as you can to the top, then back down,  usually in one big push.  Maybe that's how I approach life.  Get rid of extra baggage, so I can travel light and get to the goal. 

10 years ago, when I was at a crossroads in life,  I had been rejected by few and accepted by many, I was ready to do something that I wanted to do.  I had to stop trying to fit in where I didn't belong, stop trying to be someone who I was not.  

I launched a ride program with the dream of getting kids on mountain bike outings in the woods.  The program has morphed and evolved as time has gone by, but I have always had the same dream:  to acquire a vehicle that I could use to transport kids and bikes out into the forest.   

The time came to move forward with that plan this winter.  There were several indicators that made this obvious, one major one being that I had put way to many miles on my personal vehicle, to the point that it now has some irreparable damage! So be it.  It was worth it to get the kids out of their environments and into God's creation. 

 Well,  I put the request out, and our awesome community, once again, stepped up to the plate and we purchased an awesome mini van for the purpose.  I decided to go all out and get the van wrapped as well.  Go big or go home, right?  

Yesterday, we had our first ride out in the woods.   I now take 4 kids at a time for a quality ride teaching them trail etiquette, riding skills and more.  Nothing but smiles all around!  

What a great day, not only for the program, but a milestone for me.  Change is good, reaching goals is good, and milestones give a the encouragement to let us know that we are indeed moving forward.   Sometimes slow, sometimes cruising along,  but moving forward is the process!