The Chief Ladiga Trail is one of my favorite recreational places.  It is a 33 mile trail that stretches from Anniston to the Georgia State line where it connects with The Silver Comet Trail.  Until recently a large part of the trail was unpaved and difficult to travel but now the entire route has been paved and easily accessible to all who desire a little R & R.  A couple of weeks ago I traveled to my preferred remote stretch of the trail (between Piedmont and Georgia) and was surprised to find it paved.  It was a big shocker because on my last visit the grass was about knee high.

        I sling my camera across my shoulder and begin walking.  I walk for a couple of hours and perhaps only meet four bike riders during my time in the silent forest.  The gentleman in the photo wore a pleasant smile as he slowly peddled past me.  As he passed me we exchanged a pleasant word and he exclaimed, “It’s paved all the way to Georgia, its great!”  I turn to watch him paddle out of sight and take this photo.  It was great to see someone enjoying themselves so much.  His tranquil expression, the peaceful smile that stretched across his face and the serenity in his voice all spoke of a man truly enjoying one of life’s simple pleasures.

        His transportation had no fancy engine except the one made without hands.  His fuel was produced from the power of heart and soul pushing against the pedals that turned the wheels of progress.  Before him stretched a new road that connected a frozen past to a future filled with endless possibilities.  And as I observe the rhythm of his steady progress I knew this man was going places.  We too can make progress as we peddle our way through life; all we have to do is keep moving.  Don't stop.  Keep going forward.  What happens if we stop moving forward?  We fall down.

        Today, let us climb on the bike of life and start paddling.  Set your eye on the good things of life laying on the horizon and keep peddling.  Progress may be slow at first, but you can build momentum by accumulating small successes.  Don't get discouraged if some move faster, just keep on going and don't stop.  Every day make some progress.  If the hills are too steep for you to peddle, get off and push, but keep moving forward.  Life is like riding a bicycle. Either you keep moving or you fall down.  And if you fall down, get up and try again.  Happiness is a choice; choose to keep moving in the right direction.

Something to think about:

• The great thing in this world is not so much where we stand, as in what direction we are moving.

• Initiative consists of doing the right thing without being told.

• Do something. Either lead, follow, or get out of the way.

• He who starts a journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.

• Always remember that the soundest way to progress in any organization is to help the man ahead of you to get promoted.

• Everything comes to him who hustles while he waits.

• Lose no time; be always employed in something useful.

• A ship in a harbor is safe, but that’s not what ships are built for.

• Every day you write your own paycheck.

• What we weave on earth we’ll wear in heaven.

Go somewhere special today