Mistakes made, that's life.: July 2015

Like Riding a Bike

Wind in their faces and sun on their backs, weaving through traffic and jumping off curbs. Some are hunched over with the look of competitive determination and others sit up straight seeming to not have a care in the world. Bicycling, I watch and wonder if it is something I would enjoy but fear always follows that thought as I mentally count the cost.

I have decided, several times, that I would like to ride a bike. It looks fun, its great exercise but I hadn’t been on a bike since I was carefree and thirteen.

Wanting to conquer my fears, I borrowed my brother’s bike and set a date to begin. Once I missed that date and shamefully a few more, I decided I had to get serious. I brought the bike out of the shop and carefully fitted the strap of my helmet for perfect comfort and optimum safety. I wondered if I had erred in not purchasing any other kind of padding, bubble wrap came to mind. I was a bit shaky at first but I must admit that after riding in circles in my driveway for twenty minutes I felt confident enough to hit the open road.

After leaving the security of my driveway it occurred to me that I had opened myself up to a plethora of possible hazards. What if my wheel came off and I was thrown over my handlebars? What if I was chased by someone’s angry dog or worse by the local cougar that occasionally visits the woods nearby? What about those huge storm grates on the side of the road, is it possible to fall in one? If I fall will I break a bone, I’ve never broken a bone, I’m pretty sure it hurts. Don’t even get me started on cavernous ditches and careless drivers.

After wobbling down the road a ways something happened, I began to smile. Pedaling my way through the quiet streets, feeling the cool breeze on my face and the sun on my shoulders I found a sense of freedom and I felt thirteen again. Maneuvering sharp corners was a bit tricky and I took stock of every parked car so I didn’t become a casualty of an opening door. After about thirty minutes my only concern was whether my pants were properly pulled up on my backside so people didn’t get a free glance at my unmentionables.

I am so glad that I took the time to try something new and I say to you happy cyclists around the world “I get it.” I get the feeling of freedom and accomplishment that comes from propelling yourself from one place to another, maneuvering through obstacles and successfully arriving alive. I don’t know, maybe I’m over thinking it but I am grateful when my tires hit the gravel in my driveway and I am home unharmed and refreshed.

Romans 15:13 says, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

There are other things I have wanted to do but I admit I am sometimes fearful. I am afraid of failure. How can I be successful if I don’t try? Taking that first step can be scary but without it the journey will never begin?

Before climbing on that bike I prayed, eventually I decided to just give the fears to God. Trusting him leads to joy, peace and eventually success. If you have a dream, give it to God and step out in faith.