oh, the places you'll go!

I love biking too much now to give it up. I think it all started with that ridiculous Spinning class that I went to while in Texas. Besides, the great thing about bikes is that they take you wherever you want to go. If you are tired, you don't really want to go any further, so they stop when you stop. But, when there are Roman Aqueducts to be seen--ah, yes--fatigue crumbles at the hands of excitement! Bikes are great. I highly recommend them. In fact, I think there is even a National American Holiday in honor of bikes called 'National Bike to Work day.' So, bikes must be great since there's a national holiday in their honor, right? (ok, end sarcasm concerning the over-abundance and abuse of 'holidays' in America here, and cue laughter at bad joke). I've decided that I want a bike of my own. I want all the gear to go along with it and I want the bike to take me to hidden treasures. I will here allow you to reflect a moment on how much you adore me.......................... Is it enough to send me a bike for my birthday? We will see in September.

So, while Milan was at his tennis lesson today, I snuck over (yes, on a bike) to the Barrage du Bimont (the Bimont Dam), crossing it quickly so that I could climb through the mountains in order to reach the Roman Acqueducts hidden in a valley below some of the mountains. What a wonder! What a peaceful ride, too! Let me ask you something: have you ever heard wheat? That's how peaceful it was today. I rode alongside some wheat fields in order to reach the dam, and I could hear the wheat rustling in the blustery wind. Absolutely perfect morning.

To top off the day, I spent the afternoon playing with the boys in the pool. I am champion of the who-can-hold-your-breath-the-longest competition that everyone in the world loves to play. Another ride to the tennis courts au velo followed, for Melvil has an early evening lesson, and this time I sat still to do a bit of reading. I don't know that the day could have been more full, but neither do I know if the day could have been more fulfilling. I find that my life is more full, as well as more fulfilling, the more I am still. Taking time to sit and read, taking time to sit and write to you, taking time to sit and just marvel at the mountains and lake in front of me every morning, noon, and night, all is a reflection of how much I am softening.

I so often spend my time sprinting from place to place, from thing to thing, that I miss people. In fact, I will share with you a phrase regarding women that I used in an email just earlier this evening: Women of the 21st century are all too often racing through life at a speed so fast that people are only visible in the rear view mirror. I have, for too long, been that kind of worker, that kind of friend, that kind of girl, and here I have no choice but to slow down and to soak in.

What greater esteem is there than to be a woman of which He says, "Well done. You saw everyone right where I first put them"? Oh that I continue to adopt this mentality, to eternally sew it into my life! I have nothing left to say today, save that I am certainly enthralled with life as it is given to me. I feel like the sun rises with a new adventure for me every morning, and I don't have to put on make-up to enjoy it! What a freedom there is in being able to stand up straight with the silent confidence of one who is leaning on Him.

I wish you could have seen the view from my bike today. In fact, I wish you were here.

Until tomorrow...