Leaving our training wheels behind

I’ve been pondering a lot of things in my heart since my little friend Kady left her training wheels behind this week.

I had the privilege of watching her work hard at mastering the art of bike riding (without training wheels). After several wobbly attempts, she did it! As much as I enjoyed watching her, I loved watching her dad. She knew he was right there because he was coaching and encouraging her with every pedal of her bike. But what she couldn’t see was how as her bike would start to lean, he’d put his hand on the back of her seat to steady her. She couldn’t see how he anticipated each tumble and so grabbed the seat and handlebar so she wouldn’t fall. When she was able to take off on her own, she couldn’t see how he was right there with her even when it meant running! I was taken with this scene as it was filled with love, teaching, trust. You know what? It was a beautiful picture of how our Heavenly Father works with us at times.

Learning to adult is like having out training wheels removed! Taking that next step of faith at any phase of life can be like having our training wheels removed! It takes some pre-training, readiness, and courage! But our Father God promises never to leave or forsake us. More often than I think we will ever realize, He keeps us from tipping and tumbling. He’s got His hand right there, ready to steady us. When we get our confidence (or think we do) and start to fly, He never leaves our side...even when we are oblivious to His presence. When we do take those inevitable tumbles, He’s right there. He provides all the coaching and encouragement we will need to pedal during life’s journey...regardless of whether we listen to or learn from it! We can trust Him!