Williamsport, PA to Gettysburg -- Coming Out of the Fog

We began our ride from Williamsport determined to get off to a good start. With 122 miles on the route to Gettysburg and without Matt East to share the lead, we anticipated greater difficulty with the ride. Moreover, the beginning of the ride would continue in the mountains, only later turning into the rolling hills of mid to southern Pennsylvania. So we started a little after 7:30 a.m., but much to my dismay, the roads were filled with tremendous fog. To be honest, I didn't anticipate it, I hadn't put together a contingency plan and did not want to create any traffic risk for me, Oma or Julie. Cool, sticky, soaking fog; so heavy that it sprinkled over my glasses as I rode and I found myself removing them so I could actually see better. Indeed, the fog was so thick that at our first stop, Oma had to dry me off because the fog particles had accumulated on my clothes. Now I know what you're thinking: "Mr. Grandy, you wouldn't be foolish enough to ride in fog and endanger Oma/Julie in the process, would you?" Well, yes and no. We did ride in fog, but we made sure that there wouldn't be a safety issue. With the widest bike path on the side of the road that we've seen on the trip (approx. 8-10 feet) and car flashers running, we all agreed that we could continue safely. Nevertheless, I found that the fog actually heightened my awareness of the road and caused me to look and listen more intently to anything that could be a problem. It also caused me to reflect on the impact of being in fog and see a couple parallels with our faith study and the later part of my ride.

With today's study focus on Joseph, I wondered what Joseph must have thought as he experienced so many obstacles along his path (e.g., his brothers' actions, those of the King's wife, being placed into prison, etc.). I would imagine that he found it difficult to see the twists and turns ahead of him and how one portion of his ride would lead to another, a bit like being in the fog, looking for clearer vision. And as we emerged from the fog about 2 hours into the ride and began to focus on the goal of Gettysburg, I began to wonder what President Lincoln must have felt as he navigated the country through the Civil War. Much of our ride was now through the rolling hills of mid-Pennsylvania overlooking the Susquehanna River, with portions of cut rock along the route. Focusing on Gettysburg, I realized that no one could see all the details of how the war would turn out. Surely, President Lincoln must have felt some uncertainty about the direction of the country and felt like he was working his way, at times, through a "fog". And then it struck me that perhaps it is those times when we experience fog and have difficulty seeing too far out ahead that create an opportunity to deepen our faith. If it's been awhile, I recommend that you read (1) the Gettysburg Address; and (2) President Lincoln's 2nd Inaugural Address. Both are among the shortest presidential speeches and both are engraved in the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. While many debate the point, I think they show a president who has a deep moral conviction, is experiencing some "fog" and has placed his trust in God to determine the outcome of the bloody, Civil War. Without the fog, there is less need to look and listen so intently, to exercise our faith.




We finished our ride at the battlefields of Gettysburg and the location of President Lincoln's famous address. Just being on those hallowed grounds and trying to imagine what the battle were like gave me pause for those who have served our country throughout its history and do so today. Regardless of your political views, to put yourself into harm's way to protect others is a level of commitment few of us can fathom. So as we make our stop in Gettysburg, I encourage to reflect on the service of those who have made our freedom possible and to pray for those men and women serving our country today. I am thankful for their service and have a deeper appreciation for their commitment.



Finally, a heartfelt thanks to our hosts in Gettysburg this evening. It couldn't have worked out any better. We actually arrived around 5 p.m., spent a few minutes walking our nation's historic Civil War battle and still had time to join them for a 6 p.m. church service. We connected with Pastor Steve Baker, his wife Linda and Linda's mother Ruth through a local Christian academy (Adams County) and really appreciate their hospitality and the hospitality of Brian and Pat Woolsey. There is nothing like a warm shower, a great meal and a relaxing bed for the evening after a good bike ride. Thanks so much for opening your homes to us.



As folks continue to "ride along" on this journey, I pray that you see those situations of "fog" in your lives as opportunities to listen and look more intently as you exercise your faith.

Blessings,

Charlie ("Developing Slightly Larger Legs") Grandy