Life on a Tandem

(trusting God)

   At first, I saw God as my observer, my judge, keeping track of the things I did wrong to determine whether I merited heaven or hell when I die.  He was out there sort of like a president.  I recognized His picture when I saw it, but I really didn't know Him.  But later on when I met Christ, it seemed as though life were rather like a bike ride - a tandem bike, and I noticed that Christ was in the back helping me pedal.  I don't know just when it was that He suggested we change places, but life has not been the same since. 

   When I had control, I knew the way.  It was rather boring, but predictable - the shortest distance between two points.  But when He took the lead, He knew delightful long cuts, up mountains, and through rocky places 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 didn't answer, and I started to learn to trust.  I forgot my boring life and entered into the adventure, and when I'd say, "I'm scared," He'd lean back and touch my hand.  I gained love, peace, acceptance and joy - gifts to take on my journey, My Lord's and mine - our journey.  And we were off again. 

   He said, "Give the gifts away.  They're extra baggage, too much weight."  So I did, to the people we met, and I found that in giving I received, and still our burden was light. 

   I did not trust Him, at first, in control of my life.  I thought He'd wreck it; but he knows bike secrets, knows just how to lean it to take sharp corners, how to dodge traffic,  how to avoid potholes and stones, and how to navigate down unknown roads.  And I am learning to shut up and pedal in the strangest places, and I'm beginning to enjoy the view and the cool breeze on my face with my delightful constant companion, Jesus Christ. 

   And when I'm sure I just can't do it anymore, He just smiles and says...  "Pedal."

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