Thy word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. (Psalms 119:105)

Bike riding has always been something I’ve enjoyed doing. One of my favorite places to ride is on the Elroy Sparta bike trail in Wisconsin. It is one of the first trails to be made on an old railroad bed. The crushed limestone trail runs through small rural towns in Wisconsin. It is a beautiful scenic place to ride.

The trail is known for its three tunnels. There is a sign outside each tunnel telling you to walk your bike through the tunnel. Since you can see the light at the other end of the tunnel it seems like riding through wouldn’t be all that difficult. Most people can’t resist trying to ride through the tunnels.

At first it is easy but then you get to the middle of the tunnel where it is very dark. If you take your eyes off of the light at the end of the tunnel you run a very real risk of riding off the trail and crashing into the side of the tunnel. I speak from experience. The only way to ride through safely is to keep your eyes fixed on the pin point of light at the end of the tunnel and not on anything else.

I’ve often thought about how this applies to my faith walk. When I’m in the dark moments I can easily crash and burn when I focus on what I’m going through and not on God’s light. If I keep my focus on Jesus I can navigate through the difficult times.

Melody Maass
Pastoral Assistant