Pedaling with Jesus

At first, I saw God as my Observer, my Judge—keeping track of things I did to know whether I merited heaven or hell. He was out there—sort of like a President. I recognized His picture but I did not know Him.

Later on, when I met Christ, life became a bike ride. It was a tandem bike, and Christ was in the back helping me pedal. I do not know just when He suggested we change places, but life has not been the same since. Christ makes life exciting.

When I had the control, I knew the way. It was rather boring, but predictable. It was the shortest distance between two points. When He led, He knew delightful long cuts—up mountains and through rocky places—and at breakneck speeds. It was all I could do to hang on! Even though it looked like madness, He said “Pedal!” I worried and was anxious and asked, “Where are you taking me?” He laughed and did not answer, and I started to trust.

I forgot my boring life and entered into the adventure. And when I would say, “I am scared,” He would lean back and touch my hand. He took me to people who gave me gifts of healing, acceptance, joy and peace for our journey. He said, “Give the gifts away.” So I did to people we met. And I found that in giving I received, and our burden was light.

I did not trust Him at first to control my life. I thought He would wreck it. But He knows how to make bikes bend to take sharp corners, jump to clear high rocks, fly to shorten scary passages.

I am learning to be quiet and pedal in the strangest places. I am beginning to enjoy the view and the cool breeze on my face. And when I am sure I just cannot do any more—He just smiles and says, “Pedal!”