CHAPPY’S PIT STOP

PSALM 23 NIV The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. 3) He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 4) Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5) You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6) Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Words & Photos: Steve Hanson

Its official, the green flag is waving, and the start of 2021 has begun. Barely halfway through January already and I have two races behind me. I wish I could say with 2020 behind me I only have optimism in front of me. I am afraid that is not the case. China virus is still here, season race schedules are still changing weekly, people are still rioting, and our country’s leadership still leaves me uncertain of our nation’s future. This dismal realization and the verse above open my eyes to my own wavering. I have put hope and faith in men/women, and parties to lead us. Have you been there? It is time to push in the clutch and take a deep breath. Time to get grounded again and take on 2021 with a restored soul and refreshed spirit. Our guidance should come from looking towards the Lord by placing our eyes on Him not a man/woman or government party. It is too easy to seek direction from our own echochambers by listening to narrative that only confirms what we already hope to be true. Jesus is the author of true hope, so choose 56 | DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM to listen to His word and place your faith in His guidance. Just like a shepherd’s staff can guide and protect us, God’s word will guide and protect us. A counselor may comfort us in the storm, but we need God to still the storm. Loosing does not bring total destruction any more than winning brings all things our way. Regardless of life’s peaks and valleys keep pressing forward; So, let us stop looking for the advancement of a candidate/political party but instead the advancement of Gods kingdom and blessing of the family. We are instructed to Love God, look higher and Love your neighbor as yourself. If we can do those two things there is hope.

MARK 12:29NIV “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself as I have loved you,” There is no commandment greater than these.