I opened my inbox, excited to find out if I was accepted on the Bear Development Team.

Approaching 4 years ago, I read the words “You are hereby called to serve in the Argentina Resistencia Mission.” Tonight, my amazing little sister Abigail read the words “You are hereby called to serve in the Riverside California Mission.”

On that September afternoon 4 years ago, I remember putting my finger on the map, and then tracing it disappointingly all the way to the top of the large country, as I realized that I wouldn’t have mountains. When I was preparing to leave, all I wanted was mountains and bikes. I didn’t get either.

As Abigail found out she was going to the California Riverside Mission speaking Spanish, she was also disappointed. All she wanted was to go out of the country. To stay in the country, and have to learn a language is the worst case scenario in her mind.

“We regret to inform you, that we do not have a place for you on our team this year.”

Disappointment happens. Disappointment isn’t something that can be avoided in life. So we may as well learn how to deal with it.

I’ve had dozens of disappointing race results, training rides, relationships, meals, etc. From big to small, it’s a disappointing part of life. (see what I did there?)

The key is to keep moving forward. The real disappointment only comes if you stop.

Stop trying.

Stop believing.

But if you can keep trusting the process.

Keep trying.

Keep Believing.

Then beautiful things will come. All of the disappointing strokes will come together to form a beautiful painting. If there were no disappointments, perhaps the good parts of life wouldn’t be as sweet.

So Keep Trying. Keep Believing. The best is yet to come.