From Melissa Reinert…
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:2-4
A few weeks ago, Scott and several adult leaders guided a group of four young men, ages 14 to 17, on an eight-day, 353-mile trip from Pittsburg to Washington D.C. The experience is dubbed the Resiliency Ride.
It was an amazing trip, and I had the pleasure of speaking with the kids a few times along the way and report on our blog their thoughts and experiences.
One thing has stuck out in my mind about the trip. That is the reward of rain and resiliency.
Resiliency is the capacity to withstand or to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness.
Early in the ride, the Resiliency Riders were met with a downpour. The rain made for some muddy trails which created many challenges. They powered through.
The reward, yes, of course the power of knowing they can do anything they put their minds to. And, of course, knowing that the Lord is with them, seeing them through. But also, some fantastic moments zipping down a natural water slide!
This was one of the top moments for all the boys. They repeatedly slid down with happy smiles, bumping against rocks, and getting bruised, but as one Resiliency Rider said: “It was all worth it.” That slide down was AMAZING!
The thing that strikes me is without the rain, they wouldn’t have had such a great experience. Without the rain there wouldn’t have been enough water to send them shooting down the natural water slide. With the rain came great challenges, but also a great reward.
This is a good reminder that the “rain” that pours into our lives may present us with challenges; but it’s also setting us up for something great. It may be hard to get through the muck and mud, but we must keep going. We must withstand and recover. When we do, we’re going to be prepared for a great reward, something even more amazing than zipping down a natural water slide. So, let it rain!