Chapter 29
Good Monday Morning to this new week!
This morning, I rode for an hour and a quarter against the wind at 5 Beaufort. After a while, I got into the groove, trying to hold my speed. Keeping my head down and staying focused, I resisted distractions. Occasionally, a turn would make the wind a little less fierce, but turning around wasn’t an option. Knowing my destination wasn’t too far anymore kept me going.
The concept of headwinds, which refers to winds blowing directly against the direction of travel, is metaphorically and literally mentioned in various contexts in the Bible. In Jonah 1:4, “But the Lord sent out a great wind into the sea, and there was a mighty tempest in the sea, so that the ship was like to be broken.” This passage describes Jonah’s attempt to flee from God’s command, resulting in God sending a storm as a form of divine intervention. Similarly, in Mark 6:48, “And he saw them toiling in rowing; for the wind was contrary unto them: and about the fourth watch of the night he cometh unto them, walking upon the sea, and would have passed by them.” Here, Jesus observes his disciples struggling against a headwind while rowing on the Sea of Galilee before he walks on water to reach them. Additionally, Acts 27:4 states, “And when we had launched from thence, we sailed under Cyprus, because the winds were contrary.” This refers to Paul’s voyage to Rome, where the ship faced contrary winds, making their journey difficult.
Moreover, the physical challenges of headwinds serve a greater purpose. They fortify strength and resilience, compelling us to exert greater effort and adapt to harsher conditions. The cooling effect of headwinds during strenuous activities helps regulate body temperature, preventing overheating and enhancing endurance. Training against headwinds not only elevates physical conditioning but also instills a sense of triumph, making subsequent rides in calmer conditions feel remarkably smoother and boosting overall confidence and performance. (all in the good case that the wind changes in due time)
I wish you a good start to this week, headwinds or tailwinds!
It seems to be the same headwind against which we must surge,
or accept being slowed by, continue crawling against, until, in hope,
it shifts, and we go with it, together, towards a *”promised land”.
Philemon
*a metaphor for personal or collective spiritual growth and transformation