Philippians 2:3-4
"Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves. Do not merely look after your own personal interest, but also the interest of others.

I read these verses often as I struggle to become like my Lord. There is no greater teacher than being the victim of the opposite of this verse.
While participating in the triathlon yesterday my endeavor ended abruptly. As I probably was within a mile of the turn around for the 40 mile bike ride I encountered a large group of bikers claiming both sides of the trail drafting! Even though they could see me approaching to my astonishment they were making no effort to get in a single file. My end result was cracked ribs, and lots of bruises, being hauled back in an ambulance to Foster Falls due to difficulty breathing. I was angry and indignant as they continued their ride as though nothing had happened, even though I was lying on the ground unable to speak having the breath knocked out of me. I thought about the months of intense training and knowing I would have placed.

Then I was overwhelmed by God’s goodness! I stood amazed at the protection God gave me and my bike. I was going 17 mph and those guys were probably doing 20 or more mph when the handlebars caught with one of the last riders as he attempted to go around me on the other side! Thankfully he seemed to only have a skinned knee and rode off to finish. I had only cracked ribs and a severe bruise on one of my quads. My right hand is skinned and bruised, but I am amazed I still have all my fingers with that being the side that hit. After bending things back, I actually attempted to continue my ride, before the cracked ribs began screaming! I know it was miraculous protection!
The rescue folks were so kind. I was surrounded by good friends who got me home and retrieved all my equipment. I also received phone calls from concerned fellow participants which helped soothe the disappointment and made me feel supported.

I went to sleep thanking God knowing without Him I would be just as narcissistic as those bikers. My deepest gratitude goes out to all who prayed. He answered more than you will ever know.
In His love.

Teresa Roberts

Masterpiece Fitness

276-237-6680

This photo was taken just before the start as we were lining up. This morning all my thoughts go to an old hymn which expresses my heart:

Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!

Thou art the Potter, I am the clay.

Mold me and make me after Thy will,

While I am waiting , yielded and still.