My hands twist tight around the handlebars, one foot extends like ballerina to balance the bike with the banana seat. Grandpa holds me steady. When I am ready, he pushes on the back end with his outstretched arms and runs me into the wind while chanting instructions.
Just as I begin to push the pedals, I wobble like Jell-O to one side and panic suffocates joy. Grandpa stops me and we start all over again.
And just when I think I can’t do it, want to give up; I remain steady longer than usual. Laugh confidence surprised, then turn around to see the joy smile on his face. But he isn’t holding on to the back of my bike anymore. He stands yards away and I suddenly realize I am doing this by myself.
I borrowed faith from my Grandpa that day. Because when I didn’t think I had it in me to do it myself, I trusted in his hands to push me to destiny.
When self-doubt looms, circumstances interrupt trust, and we want to give up, Jesus holds us steady. Even when we think we can’t move forward on our own.
Jesus shouted to the crowds, “If you trust me, you are trusting not only me, but also God who sent me. For when you see me, you are seeing the one who sent me. I have come as a light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in me will no longer remain in the dark. ~John 12:44-46
Has self-doubt kept you from pedaling through life to reach your destiny? He trusts in you, holds you up when you fear you may fail. Just look straight ahead and believe.
Linking with Lisa Jo for Five Minute Friday with an admission. While praying over this word trust, I felt led to post a story I wrote for an upcoming Lenten Devotional, one of several in the series. I cheated, it took longer than five minutes to write. But I hope this preview encourages, as you end your week and step into play and rest.
Shelly I’m glad you made the admission because I was enjoying your post and then becoming very jealous at how fast you typed! 🙂
Loved it, by the way. Borrowing faith from Grandpa. Nice!
Blessings,
Felecia
Thanks Felecia. I struggled with whether I should link up today because of breaking the rules. But I love being in community more than being on my own. Glad you enjoyed it!
we are neighbors today…thanks for your honesty:)…sometimes we do have to borrow someones faith until we are strong enough to stand…or ride…great post…have a wonderful weekend…
Love being your neighbor! Yes, that bike analogy with trust just keeps coming around. I want to look back when I doubt but I need to look straight ahead to keep steady. Hope you enjoy your weekend Roseann.
Beautiful post, Shelly (and certainly worth sharing)
Thanks for blessing me today!
Thanks Nikki! Lovely to connect with you today.
See here? Another reason I think we’re soul sisters 🙂 My papa gave me the understanding of trust. of faith. he rolled up those ideas for me and let me taste them sweet. Beautifully done, friend…don’t care how many minutes it took to do it.
Aww, thanks Tara. My grandpa was a huge influence in my life. I still think about him most every day even though he has been gone for 17 years. Feeling a bit relieved about breaking the rules of FMF!
Thank God for grandpas. What a tender image of our Father holding us, his children, steady.
I adored my Grandpa, he showed me the character of Christ in those early impressionable years. So grateful for his influence. Have a great weekend Denise.
This reminded me of my husband sending my daughter down the drive toward the ditch-with the road just beyond. I couldn’t look. But she learned to ride.
Love these pictures.
Sandra, my husband taught my kids to ride bikes while I stood with eyes clinched shut and my heart pounding. I just couldn’t do it. Lots of good memories on bikes with my family.
This past summer, I had the privilege of helping a 7 year old learn how to ride a bike- and I learened a bit of how our Father must feel!!! Knowing we can do it! Experiencing joy as He watches our confidence build! And then the PARTY that goes on when we succeed!!! (pretty sure your Grandpa experienced all of these things!)
Great post- beautifully told!!! Thank you!
Thanks Becky and I love the way you see it. Jesus standing there believing in us to do what we don’t think we can, and cheering us on. Blessings!
Thanks for the blessings of this beautiful post Shelley!
As I read this I was struck by how much I expect myself NOT to cling to trust - as if I should be self-sufficient, independent, and manage on my own. I am so wrong!
More learning needed to believe that trusting is NOT being weak, or silly.
Thank you for this food for thought…
Wow, I would say that might be an epiphany moment DeborahJoy. I think the messages we grow up with do tell us to be self sufficient and independent but Christ says to lean on Him, be interdependent. Its not silly or weak to do so. Thanks for your honesty! Have a great weekend.
I love your last statement: “Just look straight ahead and believe.” It caused me to pause and think how many times I’m distracted by what’s around me. As soon as I take my eyes off the road, I lose direction, balance and could potentially bite it. I love the analogy you used. Perfect, my friend!
Thanks Stefanie. Your in good company my friend. We all get a bit diverted at times by distractions. So nice to have a visit from you on this chilly Saturday I am experiencing. Blessings!