This memorial day I went on a 15 mile tandem bike ride with my dad. It was quite an experience. It was a beautiful day, and a lovely route. But aside from the lovely views, I learned something about life.
Riding in the back seat of a tandem bike is quite an experience. It is nothing like riding a single bike, and can either be a relaxing peaceful experience, or be extremely stressful. If you have never ridden in the back of a tandem bike, you must know that the only thing you have control over is how hard you pedal. You have no control over the gear, direction, breaking.... you can't even see what is just ahead most of the time. Now if you like to lead and be in control like most of us do, this can be very stressful and irritating. And believe me it is hazardous to your safety to try to lead from the back seat! But if you really trust your leader and you have good communication it can be very relaxing and enjoyable, because you don't have to worry about were you are going, or controlling the bike. You just listen to the leader, and pedal away, free to enjoy the lovely view.
As I was getting used to this sensation of being helplessly dependent on my dad's judgment in controlling the bike, I realized some things about myself and about life. I like to be in control. I like to see what is just ahead of me. But when I gave up hope of this control and just followed and trusted my dad's leadership (He is a very experienced cyclist, and a great leader in general), I really began to enjoy the ride. The view was breathtaking and I did not have to worry about a thing.
Those who truly strive to live a Christian life, can learn a lot from riding tandem. In this life Christ is our leader and we must trust him, give him control, and follow his lead. When we do this, all the rough terrain will be much smoother. You will not have to worry about the next stretch of road, or the next series of hills, you just keep pedaling away and trusting your leader. Of course if you try to gain control all the time and do not trust in Christ, you will fall again and again. You were not created to take this roll in your life. The back seat is fitted just for you, and the front is fitted just for Christ.
So trust your leader. Enjoy the view. Look back over all the rough terrain he has so masterfully guided you through. Yes the hills will still be hard work and the dogs may bite at your heels now and again, but your leader knows what he is doing, and life is way easer when we trust him and enjoy the view from the back seat.
