I Needed This
When we arrive at the parking lot at Christ Church on Monday and Thursday evenings, some of us are moving slow. I mean, it’s Monday; does anything else need to be said? And, it’s Thursday, Friday Eve, the day before the day we have been waiting for. You know the feeling on Thursday, you’ve been raked across the coals. You’re like butter that’s been spread too thin. The week has taken it out of you and you need a sabbath. So, as you can imagine, when we arrive at the parking lot with a mind selflessly and sacrificially prepared to serve our neighbors with a smile, it’s not always easy.
But, we made it that far. We made it to the parking lot, so might as well make it happen. It’s like when it’s time to go to the gym. If you can get yourself to the parking lot and get out of the car, you’ve overcome the hardest part. So, we get there, we get out of the car, we see each other (the other volunteers), and get a little boost. It’s just the boost needed to start filling the backpacks and panniers with food and supplies.
We circle up for a quick moment of sharing and prayer. A prayer request, a praise report, and then, sometimes one of the teenagers will say, “I’ll do the prayer.” Yes. I bow my head and close my eyes and just take in the voice connecting to the divine, something bigger. It’s a moment of calmness. “AMEN” We lift our heads with a smile and, those with bike bells, start ringing the bells to indicate the beginning of an adventure. Sure, it’s only about an hour and a few miles, but it’s an emotional adventure. You never know what you’re going to hear or see. You hear about loss, depression, pain, joy, celebration, and stories that invite you into a place that you’ve spent most of your life separated from. It’s almost like a dimension that has been nothing more than a painting on the wall. You stare into that painting and marvel at it. But, you know it’s a place you will never physically visit. But on these nights, we step into the painting, interact with the characters, and arouse all of the senses. What was once a tragic fantasy becomes reality, and you get to play a part.
After and hour or so, we reconvene back at the parking lot. It’s a feeling of relief. But, there is another feeling. It’s a feeling that I can’t really explain. I have tried to explain it. Many people have tried to explain it. I was overcome with this feeling the first time I participated in one of these rides. But, my best explanation for this is the feeling of participating in something bigger than me. It’s the feeling of participating in an event that had some kind of transcendent enigma to it. If you are religious, (regardless of your religion) you might call it a spiritual movement. And, it’s rooted in selfless, sacrificial, acts of kindness.
After we load the bikes, we pull out the collapsible chairs and sit in a circle for a little “tailgate” time. It’s another spiritual moment. It is our community and fellowship time. It’s our time to debrief and share. We laugh, sometimes share a couple of tears, and our cups are filled. Despite the long day, the struggle to get to the parking lot, and the emotional rollercoaster, someone always says, “I needed this.”