I don’t think you quite understand what I’m saying when I tell you that I literally wriggle for joy and do my happy feet dance about my continued involvement with Biking for Babies this upcoming year. Every time I get to talk about it, I get incredibly smiley and filled with joy! I think it’s so funny that I’ve fallen in love with this organization in particular. I’m not an avid cyclist, nor have I had any desire to become one (except to participate in this annual ride). I have a small connection to biking through some college friends, but no one I knew growing up competed in cycling or triathlons. And yes, I absolutely adore babies and see the complete image of Christ and example of how I am supposed to love through them, but why this organization in particular? Realistically, I’m confident that the Lord only knows.
I am drawn to the people who participate in this ride primarily because of their willingness to use an activity which they have come to love to further God’s kingdom, reveal His mercy, and share His love. When I first think of biking, my immediate reaction is not to think that that’s how people evangelize. But B4B has given cyclists a beautiful opportunity to share their passion: to put a seemingly non-religious activity into the midst of the New Evangelization.
It even gives people like me the opportunity to put my passion to work in very concrete ways as well. I still don’t know what I want to do with my life, but I have always known that I want to serve others in any way, shape, or form. In its design, B4B allows the support crew to offer themselves in a different way than the bikers and to support even their most basic needs of providing water. I love that. It gives me opportunities to bring Christ into every moment, into every sacrifice in regular, daily moments.
In about nine months, I will (God willing) participate in my third B4B ride. As difficult as it is to joyfully serve on three hours of sleep a night for eight days straight and too many hours in a car, I wouldn’t trade it for anything else. I love the passion, perseverance, and prayer that comes with our bike ride, and I cannot wait to ride for the babies.
