Years ago, a young nun arrived at a convent in San Francisco. The convent was full and she had to move into a nearby boarding house until one of the sisters departed. The next day, she was late for morning prayer. Mother Superior took her aside and asked her about her tardiness.
"I'm sorry, Mother Superior, but the bus takes an exceptionally long time to get here and I'm taking the earliest bus."
"Have you thought about riding a bicycle? The church has a few extra and you could be given one to use until you're a resident here."
The new nun checked out a bicycle and went to her boarding house. The next morning she was again late for morning prayer. Mother Superior took her aside once more.
"I'm sorry, Mother Superior, but the only route I know is the one the bus follows and traffic was terrible."
"I'll tell you what," said Mother Superior, "I know a splendid shortcut down Lombard street. I could show you."
The next morning, Mother Superior rode her own bicycle to meet the young nun at the boarding house. They mounted up and were on their way. They crested the top of Lombard and were soon flying down the old street, the wind blowing through their habits. The young nun was thrilled and fully enjoying herself.
"Mother Superior, this is wonderful! I've never come this way before!!"
Mother Superior's eyes were rolled up in sheer bliss and she said, "It's the cobblestones, my dear!"