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Every child remembers that special day when he/she learned how to ride a big girl or big boy bike!  There’s nothing like the feeling of accomplishing something that we worked so hard to accomplish.  I remember watching my children learn to ride a bike.  I explained how to ride it telling them to hold onto the handle bars tightly, position your feet on the pedals, keep your bottom on the seat and try to maintain your balance.  When they felt comfortable with the feel of the bike, I told them I would hold on to the seat as they rode.  One, two, three….here we go!  And we were off…me pushing them and them pedaling and trying to steer the wheel.  After a few seconds, we had to stop because they lost their balance and the bike was going in all directions.  I gently reminded them how to steer and keep pedaling.  And we’re off again…going a little while longer before having to stop and start again.  This continued for about half an hour and I was tired!  I told them, let’s go one more time.  This time was different.  I gently held onto the seat as I had done before, but only for a few seconds.  I let go and watched them pedal as long as they could.  Of course, they thought I was still holding on and guiding them.  The moment they realized they were on their own, they got scared and lost their balance.  Even though they didn’t know it, they were riding the bike by themselves!

This reminds me of how much the Lord cares for us!  He tells us what to do and explains how to do it.  He usually gives us a plan and gently guides us through those first few scary steps.  When He knows we are ready to handle the task, He gently takes His hands off because He has equipped us with every tool we need to be successful.  He has given us instruction, encouragement and an example.  Now, it’s up to us to steer the bike and roll with the plan.  He watches us proudly accomplishing the task we thought we could never handle and says, “I knew she/he could do it!  That’s my girl/boy!”  

Just as my children experienced the pleasure of riding a bike, we will experience success every time If we remember the instructions, follow the instructions, stay focused and know that God is always with us even if His hand is not pushing our seat.  Remember, you got this!  With the Lord cheering you on, you always win if you don’t quit!  Get back on that bike and go!

~Coletta Jones Patterson