Riding with purpose and heart...

Another lesson learned while away at retreating was the importance of reflecting God’s love and righteousness to others.  An important lesson for life…God has forgiven me so many sins and transgressions so I should show forgiveness.  God provides for my needs so I should provide for others.  God loves ALL people and so should I.  This lesson was revisited Sunday morning during Pastor’s message.  I love it when that happens. 

As I thought about someone who exemplifies these qualities, I thought of not one individual but an entire group of people reflecting Jesus’ love and provision to others.  The Ride for Missing Children (RMC) is one, of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children’s (NCMEC) missions.  There are five rides in New York State throughout the year.  This past April 3rd – some of these riders dedicated their weekly training ride to Heidi in honor of the anniversary of her disappearance.

While I sat at urgent care with my mother – riders were introduced to Heidi Allen and the circumstances of her disappearance.  They mounted their bikes and rode in her memory with HOPE for her to be recovered.  Prior to mounting their bikes though, they took an extra few minutes from their schedules to call me so we would know there were more than two dozen people riding for Heidi at that moment.  As they rode their bicycles as part of their training – I prayed the wind would be on their back and their spirits refreshed.  In itself, riding a bicycle is a simple and common task but when you add their mission, heart and dedication to ride for children they’ve never met…it is a priceless gift and reflection of God’s love for our missing children.

I was introduced to the RMC through my cousin Missy a few years ago and it has been a big part in my healing process.  I extend a HUGE thank you to each and every person that makes the ride possible from the corporate benefactors to the “future riders” to come.  This year there will be a RMC in Syracuse, New York on September 23rd.  While applications are closed for the Utica ride, if you would like to raise posters, awareness and meet a group of individuals reflecting God ~ check out the RMC in Syracuse.  http://www.rideformissingchildren.org/
You would have all summer to train and be refreshed.

The RMC is an extension of our family…a true blessing!

Today’s photographs were taken by Claudette Ferrone.  Thanks Claudette! 
http://ferronephoto.smugmug.com/