Article January 1, 2002 ISSUE

Easy as riding a bike

By Sara Hoagland Hunter,—USA

“Are you ready?” asked Dad.

I clenched my fists around the silver handlebars and tried to balance on the bouncy bike seat.

“I don't think so.” My voice shook. Before me stretched a meadow full of bumps and holes. Under me wiggled a bike with no extra wheels in the back. Nothing about this felt right.

“Sure you are,” Dad encouraged. “You're all set. You just need to give it a try.”

I didn't want to look like a baby. Other kids in the neighborhood had already learned how to ride a bike.

But how would these wheels ever stop moving from side to side? How would I ever stay up without falling?

“You'll see,” said my father. “The wheels will stop wiggling as soon as you're moving.”

That seemed impossible.

Suddenly, my father was pushing the bike forward. “Just keep pedaling,” he said in a gentle voice.

“Don't let go!” I shouted as the bike crept forward.

“Don't let go!” I screamed as I picked up speed across the grass.

“Pleeeeease, don't let go!” I yelled as I zoomed around the meadow.

I pedaled over the lawn.

I pedaled over Mom's daffodils.

I pedaled past my sisters, who screamed and cheered.

When I finally put my feet down and looked back, Dad stood on the other side of the meadow, smiling and waving. He had never held onto the bike! I had pedaled by myself. I'd been fine all along. After that, I rode around the meadow about 50 times. It was easy!

“Don't let go” has become a famous saying in our family. The words remind us that even when we're scared, God is already taking care of us. He keeps us safe and gives us everything we need.

If I catch myself worrying about what might happen, I stop. Suddenly, I remember. Isn't this like shouting “Don't let go!” when I'm already speeding through the meadow? God made me perfect, so I have everything I need to zoom through my day. God holds me up and keeps me safe and steady, even when I don't totally believe it. All I have to do is “keep pedaling” and move forward, trusting God's care. It's as easy as riding a bike.

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