Sprockets are wheels with teeth circumventing the exterior edge of the wheel. The function of sprockets is to make moving something with force easier or to connect two or more sprockets together so that multiple things can move in sync. Sprockets are synonymous with gears in many instances.

Wheels are sprockets without the teeth and are created to rotate in order to move something. Wheels generally have a rubber compound adhered to its outer edge to create a smoother and quieter rolling experience. Often sprockets and gears are used to make wheels turn via some external force. Wheels are sometimes referred to as discs, hoops or rings.

These bicycles have many sprockets and wheels. They are rusting. They are not moving, nor have they for a while. The one thing they have in common besides the obvious is that they are not being used for their intended purpose which is to propel people to various places faster and with more ease than walking or running.

The above elementary descriptions about sprockets, wheels and bikes are offered as a reminder that we, as human beings, have many parts which are meant for specific purposes. Legs and feet to push the pedals which turn the sprockets that turn the wheels-all for the purpose of traveling somewhere. Arms and hands are used to steer and stop the bicycle. If you own a bike, do you ride it? Do you let it sit outside and rust? Is it broken, perhaps? Or, is it clean, well-maintained, stored indoors and ridden regularly?

If the essential aspects of our lives are not regularly used for their intended purposes and taken care of, they will deteriorate similar to these bicycles. I see this dynamic played out in certain parts of my life, and I don’t like it. However, I can do something about it. As with these bikes, rust can be removed, sprockets and chains oiled and tightened, wheels adjusted and tires filled with air, and so on. As with me, bad habits can be replaced with new and better ones. Talents which have layed dormant can be resurrected. Relationships once thought dead can be restored. New horizons of learning and exploring can become exciting adventures. All with the result of movement being made in the right direction. And, the ride can become quite enjoyable again. By the way, don’t miss the name of the closest bike…Free Spirit. Rather appropriate, isn’t it !