On a mountain bike trip to Flagstaff with John, I found the trails offered different challenges than riding in Phoenix has. As I tackled the rocky single track in a light rain, I felt the limits of my comfort zone being tested. I’d find myself celebrating getting through a rough patch of trail, only to start another rough patch. I felt the exhilaration and enjoyment of persevering through tough sections, as well as humility when I couldn’t.

This got me thinking about life. Sometimes the trials seem overwhelming and push you out of your comfort zone. You may pull yourself together and get through a rough time only to find yourself right back in another one. This can be very emotionally and physically draining. While we hike-a-biked on a rocky ridge section, I found myself wishing we were on any other part of the ride that was more fun than this.  

The Bible is clear that we WILL have trials and instructs us to consider it joy. I don’t have to pretend that walking with my bike on my shoulder in cycling shoes over rocks on the ridge of a mountain for an hour was a blast or hold back tears when too many things come at me in life. I do need to align my heart with God by looking for joy in what He is doing through it. It’s hard not to long for those “easier times” of the past, but if I don’t find joy where I am right now, I’ll miss what God is doing. And I don’t want to do that.       

- Debbie Foster