At first I saw God 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 but I didn't
really know him. But later on, when I met
Christ it seemed as though life were rather
like a bike ride. But it was a tandem bike,
and I noticed that Christ was in the 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 and predictable...
It was the shortest distance between
two points. But when He took the lead,
He knew delightful long cuts up mountains
and through rocky places at break-neck
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 the adventure. And when I'd say,
" I'm scared!" He'd lean back and
touch my hand. He took me to people
with gifts that I needed, gifts of
healing, acceptance, and joy.
They gave me 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 make sharp
corners, knows how to jump to clear
high rocks, knows how to fly to
shorten scary passages.
And I am learning to shut up and pedal
in the strangest places,
and beginning to enjoy the view,
and the cool breeze on my face,
with my delightful constant companion,
JESUS CHRIST.
And when I'm sure I just can't do anymore,
He just smiles and says . . . .
"Pedal."
