Roll With It

The first time I rode a bike by myself was Christmas morning. Santa left my sparkling blue banana seat bike by our decorated tree. I ran down our stairs, hopped on the bike with the help of my dad and I was off. I didn't need training wheels or someone's hand to hold me steady. I was a big girl on her big girl bike! The freedom I remember feeling was exhilarating. I was so proud of myself. I am sure my parents were proud too.

My 3 almost 4 year old is learning to ride his bike. He is at the very beginning stages of this wonderful process. I lift him onto his batman bike with training wheels, and we work on the idea of peddling while holding onto the handle bars. It’s entertaining because when he peddles, he pushes the peddles backwards which puts on the breaks. I have to explain to him how to peddle his feet forward. One thing I know is when he figures out how to ride the bike, he will love it. On one particular day while we were practicing, the handle bars turned sharply and he fell over. He scrapped his knees. There were tears, a little blood and probably some fear. We stopped, hugged and wiped away the mess. Afterwards, I had him get right back on the bike and try again. I couldn't have been more proud of him for getting back on his batman bike. This time I held on more tightly, so he knew I was there. While we were practicing, I kept reminding him that I was right there.

When we are learning to walk with God, I think we sometimes expect perfection the first time we try something new with God. Well I know I have. God reminds me that sometimes I may fall. I may have a bruised ego and it may hurt, but I need to get back up and continue to take steps forward. Something I feel like He wants to get across right now is how proud he is of us when we fall and we get back up. Sometimes all we may feel is His disappointment. However, He isn't disappointed. He is a very proud papa! I know I was proud of Logan when he got back on the bike with a skinned knee. I love watching my babies grow and blossom. How much more does our Father love and delight in us.

Scriptures to ponder:

Psalm 37:23-24 "The Lord directs the steps of the godly.
    He delights in every detail of their lives.
Though they stumble, they will never fall,
    for the Lord holds them by the hand." NLT

Psalm 18:19 “He led me to a place of safety;
    he rescued me because he delights in me.” NLT