On the Road to Success

Kyle & Uncle Tim...2001

"For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you."  Isaiah 41:13

Learning how to ride a bike was a bit traumatic for both of our kids.  But, hey, I hear you never forget how once you learn.  Maybe I need to pull mine out and see if that fact holds any truth.  Ha!  I was reminded recently of how Kyle learned how to ride his bike.

Kyle loved his training wheels.  No matter how high we raised them, he still hung on to the safety he felt knowing they were there. So, when we finally took them off (I think Uncle Tim was the one brave enough to do it), he was a bit unsure of going out on his own. 

The funny thing?  Kyle could ride his bike fine without the training wheels, he just didn't know it.  For the first few rides Uncle Tim held onto his bike while Kyle rode along, and then slowly he began to let go, still running close behind.  After several rides, Uncle Tim tried to convince Kyle that he really was riding his bike on his own, but belief did not come easy. We soon had to resort to bringing out the video camera, and then replaying it for Kyle, so that he could see for himself that he could actually ride his bike without training wheels, and without Uncle Tim's hand holding on.  What fun it was to watch his face change as he comprehended what he was watching.

Kyle COULD ride his bike!

It's amazing what we can do when we are aware of the hand that is holding onto us! 

Lord, your hand is the one that is holding onto us all the time!  We do not have to fear because you are there to help us.  What hope it gives me to know that your hand is on our children, and you are protecting them, guiding them, and loving them.  May they come to know, in a real way, that your hand is the one they can trust above all else, and that even if they try to let go, you still hold on tight.  You will never let go of them.  Lord, I pray that your hand gives them confidence, security, and peace in all situations, as they lean on you.  Your hand, dear Jesus, is precious and your presence real, and I give you thanks and praise.