Saturday 21^st January: Day 14

Do you remember learning to ride a bike? 

From what I remember it involved my dad holding onto the saddle while he told me not to look at the wheel but straight ahead.

I think every one of us needs a saddle-holder as we go through life and we also need someone to remind us to lift our eyes from looking down at our own two feet – because that’s the only way we’re going to maintain a proper balance from day to day.

In God we have someone who performs both those roles beautifully!

And just like my dad, he knows exactly when to loosen his grip on the saddle to allow us to go solo!

Is that a wild thought?  That God lets go of us?

But is that not what bike-riding is all about?

Finding the courage to cycle off on our own –

Discovering that we can actually do it!

Loving the freedom!

And knowing too of course that there is always someone there

To pick us up when we fall

As well as to give us tips and hints on the best routes to take...

Jesus friends didn’t only follow behind him,

They were sent out ahead of him.

On their own.

Sent out with his blessing.

And so are we.

Whatever you do this day

Do it in the realisation

That your heavenly Dad

Trusts you enough

To let you go.

Father,

Help me not to let you down.

Guide me

In what I say

And do

And think.

Help me to feel your hand at my back

And to sense the warmth

And pride in your smile

As you let me go.

May I travel well

And remember all you have taught me.