The Seven ­Mile Challenge

“As an avid cyclist, I enjoy a vigorous ride regardless of the length. In my early days on a bike, I often shot from my driveway eager to outperform my previous workout. But instead of peak performance, I found myself battling early fatigue, a gut­-wrenching biking experience. My workouts became grueling instead of invigorating.

I began to realize that if I started at a more moderate pace, the ride would not only be more enjoyable, it would be more productive, and believe it or not, faster. If my lungs were heaving before I broke a sweat, then something was wrong.

Even on a twelve­ mile ride I discipline myself to control the pace until I’ve checked off the seventh mile. I’ve tested this strategy over and over, and it works.

It wasn’t until a few weeks ago that I came to realize that I had similar issues with my daily routine. Starting the day reading the paper often threw off the entire day. I glanced at the Denver Post’s headlines and the first page of the Sports section...by this time I had drained my cup of coffee. I poured a second cup, now more distracted than ever by the mounting heap of stuff that cluttered and consumed me.

I had started to sprint from morning’s first light and there was no catching my breath. There was no seven­ mile start to my day. I pedaled for all I was worth, right from the start, and wondered why I had a hard time focusing. Why did the Word seem distant and difficult? I was “winded” before I even started to read!

Ten days ago I decided to start my days with seven miles of silence and reflection. Before I pick up my phone. Before the Denver Post. Before a quick, harmless glance at the news. Before everything...

“Seven miles of calm, confession, worship, and grace fill my day with resolve, passion, and wonder. What a difference a few miles make.

“Are you ready for the seven ­mile challenge?