I regularly ride my bike to work. A great thing about Louisville is that drivers are mostly good with it. About once a month though, someone will pass me and express his dissatisfaction with my transportation choice (without exception it's always been a 'his'). Typically they go by and that's the end of. There is however one part of my ride where due to traffic volumes and the way the light is timed, that i'll repass a car that passes me at that part.

So, earlier this week I'm riding along and this guy drives by yelling foul words at me. A minute later I'm passing him. I couldn't let the opportunity pass. I stopped and lightly rapped on the window. A stream of profanity issued forth.

I'm thinking, "What do I say to this?" At the first break I said, "Are you a Christian?"

He replied, "What does that have to do with it?" I said, "Simple question, yes or no." He answered with another stream of profanity. As he rolled up his window I said, "I guess that answers my question." Now, I don't know know that he thought a second about what I said - it doesn't really matter.

What matters to me is that I was good throughout. No anger. Nothing. Just looking for an opportunity to help my fellow man.

Gear test result

The hot water bottle kept me warm until 5 AM. I was just starting to get a little cold when it was time to get up at 6:45. What a great little trick that is!

I don't think it got as cold as forecasted. Usually when I've done this, there's a layer of ice in the bivy - wasn't there last night.

I have on my list of things to do
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Gear test

I'm in the backyard, in my sleeping bag (no tent), on what may be the coldest night of the year (3 degrees) doing a gear test. I started doing this while in Michigan. Just out here seeing how well the gear does.

My setup: bivy bag with air pad and sleeping bag inside. This year I've done something new. I boiled water, put it in my water bottle, and placed it down by my toes. Right now, I've been out about 15 minutes and I'm too hot! I'm sure that will change as the water bottle cools.

I've been asked to give a talk in my congregational meeting next month. The topic is 'prayer and promptings'. A good topic for me to study, but not one where I feel I have a lot to offer - as far as insight to share with the congregation. Hopefully I'll do no harm.


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