Dear friends,
As I write this, I am a week home from vacation, still recovering from jet lag and too many hours biking uphill in the hot sun! Our trip to France was filled with beautiful artwork and scenery, delicious food, moving history, great family time, funny language faux pas, unexpected moments of understanding, and lots of challenge.
This was Part 2 of our multi-year effort to recreate the bicycle trip through Europe that our grandparents took in 1934. Last year, my sister, brother-in-law and I rode from Amsterdam (in the Netherlands) to Brugge (in Belgium). This year, after a few days in Paris, we rode from Lille, France (near the Belgian border) to Paris, with a train ride for a break from Amiens to Rouen. Fran and our good friend Debbie Bowe headed off each day in their car for historical adventures.
This year’s trip was harder than last year’s: more miles to cover, many more hills, less developed cycling infrastructure, fewer cafes along the route. Of course, we are all a year older. I trained for it, and I am proud of how well I did. And it was just on the edge of what I am able to do. It was so rewarding, when we got to the end of a long, hilly day, to look at my sister and brother-in-law and say, “Yes! We did it!” And sometimes it was hard to get back on the bike the next day.
It was not a relaxing vacation, at least not physically. Still, there is something rejuvenating about being entirely focused on experiencing a new place or facing a daunting challenge. When I’m climbing a steep hill, I am not thinking about what my next sermon series will be!
In the airplane on the way home, as I re-read my journal, I did start making a list of sermon themes. I had so many experiences that raise questions and point to insights about our faith. I worshipped at a church in Paris with gorgeous stained-glass windows and a world-renowned organ; since I couldn’t understand the words, I was free to absorb beauty and mystery in a new way. I saw works of art that touch the heart of what it means to be human. We met so many kind people, and we had to struggle with our reactions to the one or two who were not kind. We talked with a woman who has devoted her life to bringing people together across old enmities. We felt the weight of our human capacity for cruelty as we rode past so many war memorials. We wrestled with the complicated rhythm of pushing beyond what we think we can do and honoring the reality of our limits. We treasured the gift of good food shared together.
Lots of sermons! You’ll hear a few of them this coming month!
I missed you all. It is good to be back.
Peace, Debbie