All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work. – 2 Timothy 3:16-17
When my son was 6, he decided he was finally ready to learn to ride his bike without training wheels. Yes… 6. I don’t know what took him so long. I don’t know why we didn’t push him harder, but I do know that he was 6.
Do you know what happened? I know you’re picturing in your mind that we took those wheels off, ran alongside him, let go at that magical moment, and watching him ride laughing down the sidewalk. Ahem… um, no.
What actually happened is that he started at the top of our slanted driveway, by himself when no one was looking, lost control and rolled downhill, across the street and into a parked car. Yep. It’s like that.
Life is like that sometimes, right? We have an image in our minds of how this great moment of independence is going to go. We’ve preplanned our acceptance speech, ordered the cake, invited all our friends to the party. And the next thing we know we’re careening into a large metal object headlong down a hill. We totally forget there even are brakes, much less how to use them. Then we open our eyes and we’re lying bleeding and crying on the pavement.
I ran out. I saw it happen and I ran out, knowing I would be too late to save him from hurt, cursing every minute that kept me from cradling him in my arms. I patched him up, using the “magic medicine” that stopped the hurts most quickly. I kissed the boo-boos (he was still young enough to take comfort in mama’s kisses), murmuring to him softly as I wiped the tears from his dirty face.
Oh, he got better. But he really didn’t want to get back on that bike. “Put the training wheels back on,” he begged for days.
I’ve felt like that before. I’ve been that bleeding, scared little boy. Have you?
When chronic disease blazes into your life like a destructive inferno, when disability robs you at knife-point of all the things you hold most dear, when pain makes another jab with a malicious smile and a giggle of glee that makes the hair on the back of your neck stand up… that’s the moment the training wheels come off.
And they can’t ever go back on. Because it’s time to be a big-boy. It’s time to fly free and learn some new skills.
May I encourage you, as He scoops you up and begins the mending? His Word is all the training wheel we need. That leadership role you were made for, that skill you had honed and wielded like a pro, that calling you were so certain was direct from God… those were smoke and mirrors. Not to be trusted, and definitely not to be leaned on.
Are you willing to get back on that bike? Don’t forget your armor, cause we’re sure to have more falls before we soar, but climb back on. Let’s ride.
Dear God, thank you for racing out to gather us up. Thank you for the training wheels that will never be removed. Help us to trust not in what we see, but in what we know to be true. In Jesus’ Name, Amen…
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May God Bless You,
Shelly
With God is the only way to “ride” through life! He gives us strength and balance, but then picks us up when we fall. I can’t even imagine living life without Him – I don’t want to imagine it!
Blessings & love, Joan
Joan recently posted…Strong and Courageous
I don’t want to imagine it either, Joan! It just wouldn’t be possible, I don’t think. Love you! Heart Hugs, Shelly <3
I just love you and thank you for sharing and speaking such wisdom into so many lives! I am truly blessed to call you Sister and I pray for you often. The Lord is doing amazing things through you and your insight and testimony! Love you!
MommySue recently posted…Do I Love You More?
God knew I needed a Sister like you in my life, MommySue! You bless me so much! Love you! Heart Hugs, Shelly <3
I didn’t learn to properly ride a bike until 3rd or 4th grade. There may be a dozen reasons, but I’m pretty sure one reason is that my mom had a serious bike accident that ruptured her spleen when she was in 2nd grade and quit riding her bike after that. Also I didn’t learn to drive until I was 21 or 22. My mom doesn’t drive. Even though we can’t blame our parents for things, they can be part of the cause.
Not really what you’re talking about, but it’s what came to my mind!
That is too funny, Kirra! It broke my heart when he was hurt at 6, so I hate to see how terrible I would have felt any earlier! LOL Heart Hugs, Shelly <3
This post made me giggle, mainly because I so often feel like your son riding a bike without training wheels. I think I have got it then- boom. Smash into a parked car. Fortunately God continues to pick me up and encourage me to ride with Him as my teacher.
Thanks for sharing, Shelly– and so appreciate your participation in #EverydayJesus.
Sharita recently posted…Jesus in the Birthday (#EverydayJesus linkup)
Yep, I feel like that most days, too, Sharita. So happy to have a God like we do. Heart Hugs, Shelly <3
Hi Shelly! I shared your blog with my roommate, and now I guess you have talked to her and read er blog. She reads yours, too! I am committed and willing to trusting God in those wobbly boards of faith. The verse in the Bible where Paul says that God heals all of our diseases is my wobbly board. I am meeting with someone who is helping me recognize God’s continual presence in my life. God wants to show me that He can be trusted. I want, and He wants, an intimate relationship with me! Your post made me think of that journey. I hope you are well today!
Sara Wiele recently posted…Five Minute Friday: Willing
Thank you, sweet Sara! Who is your roommate? What a small world! 🙂 What scripture is that? I’d love to study it with you if you will point me in the right direction. Heart Hugs, Shelly <3