Pedal

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 died. He was out there, sort of like a president.  I recognized the picture when I saw him but I didn’t really know him. 
 
But later on when I met Christ it seemed as though life was rather like a bike ride; but it was a tandem bike, and I noticed that Christ was in the back helping to pedal. 
 
I don’t know just when it was that he suggested we change places, but life has not been the same since apostolic life: that is Christ makes things exciting. 
 
When I had control, I knew the way.  It was rather boring, but 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 breakneck speeds – all I could do was to hang on!!  Even though it looked like madness, He said, “Pedal!” 
 
I was 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 their gifts to take on my journey, our journey, the Lord’s and mine. 
 
And we were off again.  He said, “Give the gifts away, they’re too much baggage, too much weight.” So I did, to the people me 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 take sharp corners, jump to clear high rocks, fly to shorten scary passages.  And Iam leaning to shut up and pedal in the strangest places, and I’m beginning to enjoy the view and the cool breeze in my face with my delightful constant companion, Christ. 
 
And when I’m sure I just can’t do anymore, he just smiles and says, “PEDAL!”