"Pedal"

This year
All years
At first, I saw Christ as my observer, my judge, keeping track of the things
I did wrong, so as to know 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 did not KNOW Him.

But later on, it seemed as though life was rather like a bike ride, but it
was a tandem bike, and I noticed that Christ was in 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 very
predictable. It was always 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 an adventure. And when I'd say,
"I'm scared," He'd lean back and touch my hand, and with a smile would
simply say "Pedal."

He took me to people with gifts that I needed, gifts of healing, acceptance,
and joy. They gave me their gifts to take on my journey, my Lord's and mine.

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 how to make it bend to take sharp
corners, jump to clear high rocks, fly to shorten scary passages.

And I am learning to keep quiet and pedal in the strangest places. 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 that I just can't do anymore, and when I fear we've
taken the wrong path, He just smiles and says....."Pedal!"