Monthly Archives: June 2009

When a tire goes flat, you fix it.

The tire repairs were figured out and the resources gotten as soon as they were available (I had to wait a few hours, but eventually I got what was needed).

The disassembling of the back wheel took a few minutes more than I had expected.  I haven’t done this for a while – so even though there were no rusted parts, I was rusty and just figuring things out took time.

Finally, the tire was back in place and a breath of fresh air was pumped into the tire.  A slight flaw almost immediately popped the inner tube. 

So, I started all over again.  I got another inner tube and reset it on the rim.  This time it worked and I was out riding once again.

Sometimes the first try at fixing a problem may have a problem.  If at first you don’t succeed, find another inner tube!!

Last night was a bike scavenger hunt with our youth.  Great time!

Before leaving and joining  in on the hunt, I pumped up the front tire of my bicycle.  A month or so ago I noted that it had a slow leak.  The pressure was down somewhat, but an influx of new air pumped it right back up.

As we went throughout the hunt I watched the tire carefully.  No problem!

Approaching the final stretch something felt out of sorts.  The front tire continued in good shape.  Things were right there.

But not so on the strong back tire!  The tire I had chosen not to watch.  Perhaps we hit some shards of glass, or maybe something punctured through the outer tire and got to the inner tube.

I suppose the actual cause didn’t really matter.  I know enough of the caused for flat tires and I thought I had avoided them.  And next time out I will carry the same list in my head and try to miss the hazards. 

But last night I was left carrying my bicycle back.  Instead of carrying me into a journey of enjoyment, I was left thinking about what I needed to do to fix this tire.  I’m looking forward to fixing the back tire and getting back on the road.

This is a story of both a bicycle and a church.  In watching over a front tire, it seems a back tire has been flattened.  Where we go next is the next thing! 

May God give direction and wisdom!

The day ended with an ice cream birthday cake, 5 people, good humor and laughter.  Oh, and one of them was the birthday girl!  The picture we took will be available only to those present!!  Sorry – OK, not that sorry!

Some days come to an end when the end comes.  Peacefully and quietly you crawl into bed for a rest.  Other days run like crazy.  Exhausted and with a full breath you finish the day.  Other days chaos reigns.  Those days finish.

Not sure how to judge this day.  I’ve had hints of all three.

Maybe I’ll just finish up out of breath, peacefully just finishing the day!