J
esus and I were riding a tandem bicycle. At first, I sat in
front; Jesus in the rear. I couldn’t see him, but I knew he was there. I could feel his help when the road got steep. Then one day we changed seats. Suddenly everything went topsy-turvy.
When I was in control, the ride was predictable-even boring. But when Jesus took over, it got wild! I could hardly hold on. “This is madness!” I cried out. But Jesus just smiled-and said, “Pedal!”
And so I learned to shut up and pedal-and trust my bike companion. Oh, there are still times when I get scared and I’m ready to quit. But Jesus turns around, touches my hand, smiles, and says, “Pedal!”
Author Unknown
I am a lover of front seats; I have to admit it. With a full view of the road ahead, I am pedaling as fast or slow as I want, and I steer the bike wherever I want to go.
I know I got into a ‘bike path’ rut. Confession: I am an avid volunteer. There wasn’t a committee or job I wouldn’t turn down. “Sure, I’ll do it” I’d reply. It’s for my church community, so it must be a good thing, right? And maybe you’ve experienced this too-if you say ‘yes’ enough, you become the go-to gal for projects.
Bide ride after bike ride I’d travel down the same road. Commission Chair, Committee Member, Small Group Organizer, music minister, bake sale baker, sure. I’ll do that. But you know what? I think I was boring myself a little bit too. I started to think, “Yes, I
can
do it. But should I be doing it?”
Only in the last couple of years or so have I allowed Jesus to come on up and switch seats. I climbed in the back and started pedaling. Oh man, what a ride. I’ve become a Nana twice. My husband has been unemployed for over a year. I pulled back at church a bit. I started this blog. My mother and my mother-in-law died. It’s been pretty…eventful.
The same things would have happened if I was in the front, but I would have fooled myself into believing I had some kind of control over all this stuff. Which I don’t.
I never did. From the back seat, I can just pedal and know that Jesus will lead me through it all, and I’ll be o.k..
I’ll tell you, it’s never boring. Sometimes, I fall back into my old way of thinking and I tell Jesus we should switch back again. Some of this stuff is hard and I’d rather think I’m in control. But Jesus will still smile at me, and still encourage my pathetic pedaling.
I’m not too sure where we are going. Jesus is navigating, so who can say? But I’m glad I’m not in the front…for today anyway. Every day it’s a struggle to not jump off and bump Jesus to the rear. But I know he doesn’t belong there. That’s my spot.
Comment Question for the day: Are you in the front seat of the bike, or the back?
Such a vivid analogy and so true! Jesus is in control of this journey – I just need to pedal. Great post!
Thanks Angel! It really is a universal truth, so I think everyone identifies with it.
Always good to ‘see’ you here! I am enjoying your posts too
Peace in Christ,
Ceil
Hello There Dear Friend! Well in answer to your question, I am definitely riding in the back and enjoying the ride. Some days, yes I think I want to be the driver, but then when I do all things go wrong and quick. God is always my pilot and I wouldn’t want it any other way!! Thank you so much for adding me to your blog list, what a blessing to be apart of your awesome blog! See you Thursday for Prayer! (What a great idea by the way)
Have a great week Ceil!
Blessings,
Amy
Hi Dear Amy! So excited that you will be back here on Thursday to pray. You have been so supportive, thank you.
I think we are the same in the way we know our place is in the back, but wanting to jump in front half the time. I guess that’s life as a real human! I know Jesus will find a way to remind me why he should drive, right?
‘See’ you soon
Peace in Christ,
Ceil
Wonderful post, Ceil! It reminds me of what my Pastor says at church when we surrender to God we should expect a test from Him and to be ready for it. That’s like allowing Him to have the front seat, first place, in our lives because like you said, it won’t be boring
Thanks for sharing, I really appreciate it. And thank you for your kind comments on my blog – they make my day! As for the review I did, your comment was an encouragement because that was my first ever book review so I was quite nervous
Have a beautiful week!
Hugs to you!
Hi Stephanie! I can’t believe it was your first book review? What an honor that you were chosen to do that. You did it proud
I like what your Pastor said about being ready for challenges. I guess that’s where we really trust that Jesus will get us through.
You are so kind with your comments, Stephanie. Thank you for your encouragement. Means a lot to a new blogger.
Peace in Christ,
Ceil
It can be hard to let go of control!
This: “The same things would have happened if I was in the front, but I would have fooled myself into believing I had some kind of control over all this stuff. Which I don’t.”
Is so true! And the peace we forfeit as we pedal uphill is simply not worth it!
Thank you for sharing this post. You certainly have been through some bumpy rides, yet I can tell your faith is stronger because of it!
Hi Leah Rose! Oh my gosh, it’s so hard for me to give up control. I think I am the original ‘control freak.’ That’s why I still itch to jump up front! But I am getting better in realizing I don’t have control anyway, so why bother?
Thank you for your comment about my faith. I do think hardships make anyone stronger, don’t you? Well, maybe it throws me for a loop first, and then I get stronger
Thank you so much for stopping by and sharing. It means a lot.
Peace in Christ,
Ceil
I dont know if I am coming or going much less what seat I am in hahahaha Great post…. May Jesus always lead.
Thanks for visiting and commenting on my doctors office ettiquette. I do work the check in at an Orthopedic office so was writing from experience! So glad you found me and look forward to reading more!!!!!
Your response made me laugh out loud! I love it!
I KNEW you must have had some experience in doctor’s offices. Everything you said was so true. I am so glad I found you too Jenn. It is amazing how God brings us all together.
I know I’ll get to know you better by reading your posts. Meanwhile, don’t let them stare you down, Girl!
Peace in Christ,
Ceil
“The same things would have happened if I was in the front, but I would have fooled myself into believing I had some kind of control over all this stuff. Which I don’t. I never did. From the back seat, I can just pedal and know that Jesus will lead me through it all, and I’ll be o.k..” AMEN, sweet sister. Amen. Bless you Ceil!
Hi Nan! Thanks for calling me ‘sister’! I am honored. I am so happy that you liked the blog post. I have to think that so many of us struggle with control issues. Well, some more than others I guess.
I would be on the ‘more’ side!
Thank you for coming by, it’s always so good to see your comments
Peace in Christ,
Ceil
You are so right, Ceil! We do all struggle with wanting control of our lives. I’m trying my best to “let go, let God”! This was a wonderful post and a great reminder of who’s in the front seat. Blessings!
Oh my gosh, KITTY! How great to see you here! When I am done writing, I am dashing over to your blog to ‘join’ you. I LOVED your food pictures :). Maybe I’ll even try a recipe now and again (no promises, but I could try!)
I have heard that expression ‘Let go and let God’ and there sure is a lot of wisdom in it. After all, if Jesus is in the front, then I don’t have to steer either. I am so glad you liked the post.
Hope I ‘see’ you again. I look forward to your smiling face and comments!
Peace in Christ,
Ceil
Ceil, very thought provoking post. I can see we have a lot in common, for I, too, like to have the front seat!
Thanks for the reminder of who is supposed to be in charge.
Hi Jerralea! Oh, I am sure we have a LOT in common! LOL!
Thank you so much for coming and by, and for your encouraging comment. We do need the reminder now and again, right?
Peace in Christ,
Ceil
I never heard this analogy before. I like this! I recently heard a quote that is the opposite of this: “if you give the devil an inch, he will want to be the ruler!”
Hi Karen! Thank you for visiting here
I loved your saying; I never heard of it before, so we both learned something new today…all helping us understand better to be people of God. Wonderful!
I hope to ‘see’ you tomorrow for Praying in Trust. It was great to meet you through your blog!
Peace in Christ,
Ceil
Ceil:
This is a very interesting concept. I have never thought of my walk with Christ as a tandem bicycle ride. In answer to your question,I am in the backseat. Since I changed seats the ride is easier.
Hi Cecelia! The first time I read this, I thought the same as you did. Never would have thought about my life in Christ as a bike ride! But it is very descriptive. I think it’s easy to relate to because we can all visualize what riding on a tandem would be like.
Good for you, sitting in the back seat! I am too, but I do occasionally wish I was in the front. Gotta fight that feeling
Peace in Christ,
Ceil