by Joanie Butman
Before I move on from the Peloton, there are two spiritual lessons to share. As I mentioned last week, my first rides weren’t pretty. Truth be told, they never were. My post-ride appearance mirrors someone who’s just gone nine rounds, and they never seem to get easier. When my daughter worked at Soul Cycle, family day involved a class. The photo included sums up my normal post-workout condition. Let’s just say there was nothing soulful about my experience – especially my hand gesture to the instructor who kept motioning for me to stand on the bike! Up, down, up, down. I felt like I was at mass.
My daughter has urged me more than once to take it easy, You don’t have to push yourself so hard. Sadly, ‘take it easy’ isn’t in my repertoire – in exercise or any other endeavor. That MO has led to burn out in any number of areas, and spirituality is no exception. Both on and off the bike, my tendency to ‘over do’ has often made me wonder, what am I trying to prove and to whom? God doesn’t love us for what we do but for who we are; namely, His children. Yes, we are expected to serve others, but not to gain His love, but because we have His love. Our love for others is a natural outgrowth of His love for us.
Yet, my tendency is to prove myself worthy of His love, which, of course, is impossible (and colossally stupid). It’s only when you realize just how unworthy you are that you can truly appreciate His lavish gift of grace. As Tim Keller so eloquently affirmed, “The gospel is this: We are more sinful and flawed in ourselves than we ever dared believe, yet at the very same time we are more loved and accepted in Jesus Christ than we ever dared hope.” Christ has guaranteed our worthiness, and it cost Him His life. Aren’t my lame efforts an attempt to usurp or deny the completeness of His work on the cross?
Our spiritual journey with Christ is a life-long ride through all kinds of terrain. There’s no reason to rush to the finish line or to arrive there too rung out to enjoy the celebration. We need to let Him set the tempo, which is different for everyone. It’s only when I try to outpace Him that I get myself into trouble, leaving me exhausted and depleted physically, mentally and spiritually. Spinning aimlessly but getting nowhere.
One last thing: When I finally learned the definition of peloton, I had to smile because it accurately describes the importance of Christian fellowship. Webster defines peloton as a large pack or cluster of bicyclists in a road race, riding closely together to reduce wind resistance and conserve their energy. It’s derived from a French word that’s also the source of our word platoon. Christianity isn’t meant to be a solo endeavor. Fellowship with other Christians is integral to our journey. We need each other to reduce opposition of all kinds and increase endurance. We are stronger together, accomplishing heights and feats unachievable alone. Each ‘rider’ rotates in and out of positions as needed. Sometimes leading, sometimes being carried along, and sometimes bringing up the rear ensuring no one falls out of the pack.
It’s no coincidence that the leader of my prayer chain refers to us as the prayer platoon. We have carried each other through every ordeal imaginable. The rigor of the Tour de France pales in comparison to the life challenges I’ve witnessed people surmount. After 25 years of that prayer ministry, I’ve learned that, in Christ, we are all winners in the end despite appearances to the contrary. Of that I’ve no doubt.
My closing advice is to find and choose your own peloton. It makes the ride so much easier and fun! Choose wisely.