Enough of the Sob Stories.

Today, I received an email from the Admin Assistant for Sea To Sea. They are doing quick profiles of each cyclist including their reasons for doing the ride. When I registered, I submitted a letter that I had given to the congregation when asking for their endorsement. It included several of the reasons that I have blogged about- physical challenges, setting examples, turning 40, taking a step to make a difference. Now apparently, it is "too long" for the "world wide web" so they wanted me to summarise, in a few sentences, the essence of my story as they didn't feel comfortable doing that without my input.
My response was, thanks but I would rather not. See, I don't think, without knowing me personally, that this story comes out as anything more than an "Oprahish" sob story about how hard life is. I don't want to be some poor pity case that has overcome the odds. Let's be honest- nobody goes through life unscathed. We all have challenges that need to be dealt with to get through the journey....mine are just different than another person's. Also, compared to some of the people that live in the cycle of poverty, even on my worst days, I've got it pretty good.
So in the spirit of celebrating my blessings, I have submitted this list. I think it is a better indication of me- Let's pray they see the fun and post it.

The Top 5 Reasons for Gayle Doing Sea To Sea

5- Apparently, I'm not busy enough as my blackberry, iPod and cell phone all showed that I have 10 weeks open next year.

4-John Vandersteen asked me to join him. He completed Sea To Sea 2005 and thought that this time he needed something to make it more mentally and emotionally challenging.

3-Pastor Pieter once preached on Wisdom through Suffering and when I questioned him, he suggested that I test out the theory myself.

2-As one of the newest members of my congregation, if I don't make it-they haven't lost a huge investment.

1-Somebody bet me $10,000 that the fat chick couldn't make it.