06/10/2026
Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. –Matthew 11:28-30
In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus sends his disciples out with nothing but a promise as they share God’s love in unfamiliar places, with unfamiliar people, in unfamiliar ways. Jesus tells them that they will meet challenges along the journey, but in those challenges, God will always be with them.
Each summer, I am reminded of our family’s 2014 adventure that sent us to Iowa for the Des Moines Register’s Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa (the RAGBRAI). Our children were just five and two, and my husband was determined to create a family bike train (tandem bike, tag-a-long bike, and bike trailer all connected as one unit) to traverse the surprisingly hilly terrain of Iowa. Heat and humidity were our constant companions as we rode eight plus hours/day and slept in our three-person tent at night.
On our last day, as we cycled up a seemingly never-ending incline, I felt an arm wrap around my waist. Alarmed at first, I soon learned it was a veteran RAGBRAI cyclist at my side. He introduced himself and calmed my startled nerves by telling me what he was doing. He said he saw the four of us making a good effort up this long hill but sensed we could use a boost. He said he’d pedal next to me until we reached the top of the hill and then he’d bike away, easing our load and assuring us we would be okay. And we were!
We never crossed paths with this RAGBRAI angel again, but his kindness left a lasting impression. In a very tangible way, he put faith into action. He refreshed our fledgling spirits and showed us that God’s promises are sure. We are never alone.
Dear God, Thank you for restoring us with abiding love and care. Amen.
–Pastor Freeman
