Wrecklessness

Late July 2004- Vacation at Amelia- Riding the Trail at Fort Clinch State Park-

It was a syrupy, muggy Wednesday evening and to top off a fantastic beach day I had set out on mountain bike ride. The adventure was to cover the 8 mile trail of dunes and swamp and mossy oaks that make up the beauty of Fort Clinch. Julie and the kids had driven over to the Park's beach area. They had their own adventure in mind- enjoying an end of the day stroll in the warm waves of the Atlantic looking for sharks teeth. As I got along into my ride, I have to admit- I was riding somewhat cautiously- navigating the single track trail in such a way as to stay in control and not get hurt. A good time, but not really the thrill a man in midlife crisis would call memorable. Ah, but then those immortal words of some base jumper I had heard on ESPN the day before came rushing into my mind.............

"You know you can't have any real fun unless you're willing to break a bone!"

Oh my goodness- Do I have to tell you what happened next as I pushed my speed to the limit over the ensuing series of undulating turns and dunes?

As I lay on the ground tangled up in my bike-

It took a few seconds for me to realize something was not right-

The pain was not immediate- but waited to expose itself- pouncing on me with full force as I tried to make my way to my feet.

Broken hip- Surgery in Jacksonville, Florida- Vacation over-

Two months out of work- Nine month recovery-

Pain on rainy days now 6 years later.

What an idiot.

Wait a minute you say- What about the guy I read about yesterday who poo-pooed the "better to be safe than sorry" philosophy of life.

Come on- make up your mind Welch- what's it gonna be-

A daring life of risk taking- depending on God or.................. Play it Safe?

There is a fine, but clear line between courage and stupidity

I have come to believe that line is Love.

1 John 3:16 This is how we know what Love is: Jesus Christ laid down His life for us and we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.

Maybe this is the best way to evaluate risk- Is the risk for the sake of Love- Is it for the sake of God's Glory- Is it for the sake of the people He brings our way?

Am I willing to be hurt for the sake of another? Will I risk it-or- Should I play it safe?

Jesus was continually ready to put Himself at risk for the Glory of His Father and the sake of others- Yet He was never wreckless for the sake of a thrill or personal glory.

John 7 (Excerpts) Jesus went around in Galilee, purposely staying away from Judea because the Jews there were waiting to take His Life............"for Me the right time has not yet come."

Father in Heaven, Lord Jesus, Friend Jesus, Holy Spirit- Keep me from foolishness and vanity- Give me Wisdom and Courage so that I never shrink away from risk for the sake of Love.

Amen