Day 6 - what a week it's been

Well, we finally made it across the state line into Arizona. I can only omagine how beautiful the view would be going over the bridge that goes over the Colorado River and being able to look down the river for several miles. It has to be a beautiful site. I have seen the river as it winds through the Grand Canyon and even from 6 or 7 miles away it is impressive. To see it up close and personal would be beautiful. It is not that nice of a day in Quartsite, Arizona, becoming very cloudy by noon and showers coming in by evening. It is the wind that would effect my ride today the most. It was suppose to reach up into the mid to high 20's miles per hour. The best part today was that for the most part it was behind me so it helped push me along. Any bike rider knows that wind can be your friend but it can also be a fierce enemy on those days when it blows right into your face. Today was one of those great days.
Today, I put in 44 miles in 2 hours and 34 minutes averaging 17.2 mph. That means my first week we went 241.6 miles and are now just east of Quartsite, Arizona. This town of almost 4000 people has an interesting history. It started as a fort built in 1856 as protection from the indians and because it had a good source for water soon became a stagecoach stop. It was later was abandoned but a mining boom in 1897 brought it back to life under the name of Quartzsite. It brings in thousands of people in the winter months because of mineral and gem shows the town is know for. My ride took us just a few miles to the east of of town.
It was good to reach my first major goal, which has helped my whole attitude. Because of a couple of health issues I was not completely sure how well I could handle the miles that were before me to even think about going across our beautiful country. But now one week into it and 240 miles under my belt I am encouraged that I feel good and have a little more confidence that all will go well for the whole adventure before me. I thought much again about Phil. 3:13 and 14. In verse 14, Paul says, "I press on toward the goal." A trek like this one is filled with goals. I have monthly, weekly, daily, and at times even hourly goals. I wanted to make it to Arizona this week and I wanted to memorize Phil. 2:1-5 and I think I have it down. I want to make sure I eat properly and hydrate well(my wife is so very concerned about that one) and I have done well that way to. Paul said in verse 13, "One thing I do." Christians should be very goal oriented too. But Paul realizes, for the Christian, that it isn't to make more money, or to aquire fame, or to be number 1 at the expence of others. The one thing Paul does is to press on toward the goal. Monday, I hope to discuss what that goal is. But there is a goal; a very specific goal that we are to head towards. A goal that is worth putting everything we are, everything we do, everything we have to have it in our lives and in the lives of others.
Have a great Lord's Day. Talk to you on Monday.