Joy in Motion: WEEK FOUR

This past week has reminded me of the 1989 film Dead Poets Society, which introduced a whole generation to two unforgettable words:

Carpe Diem. Seize the day.

I believe this is the perfect way to describe the Joy in Motion crew. They have committed to going the distance physically, but behind every kilometre, step, and act of generosity is a deeply personal reason for saying yes.

A couple is riding like crazy while they wait for their son to come home in early August after serving somewhere “unknown” with the Canadian Army.

There are friends who, after one of them experienced a significant health scare a year ago, decided that this is THE year they are going to take their health seriously.

There is a mother and daughter simply enjoying the fact that their freshman year at university is over, summer has arrived, and they get to spend meaningful time together.

Every walker, rider, and mover has a unique story behind their involvement in Joy in Motion. Everyone has a personal “why” that motivated them to say yes.

They are all generous givers.

And then there are the givers who are giving. I am sure many of them are also moving, but for their own personal reasons, they have chosen to contribute financially and often through prayer.

What I love most is that everyone has made their participation personal.

Ray would have loved that too.

He loved it when people simply showed up as they were able. Not to impress anyone. Not to influence anyone. Just to be part of something greater than themselves.

Here we are, 29 days in, and so much has already happened. So many kilometres have been travelled, so many moments shared, and so many stories are being written.

Some of those stories will be retold for years by the littles, like the one in this week’s blog. She might be riding in the wagon now, but she also skipped, jumped, measured, and enjoyed every part of the journey!

Isn’t this really what it’s all about?

Being present. Being engaged. Seizing the day. And finding joy in the journey.

Thank you to everyone walking, riding, moving, giving, and praying. Thank you for showing up in your own way and for going the distance with us.

There are still many kilometres to go and, I suspect, many more surprises waiting around the next bend.

Let’s keep doing this!