THE ROAD OF LIFE
I have been refreshed by this for some 35 years….especially in the hardest detours and storms of my life.
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 when I saw it, but I really didn’t know Him. But later when I met Christ, it seemed as though life were rather like a bike ride, but it was a tandem bike and 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, 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, and at breakneck 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 their gifts to take on my journey, our 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 – how to make it bend to take sharp corners, jump to clear high rocks and fly to shorten scary passages.
And I’m learning to shut up and pedal in the strangest places. I’m beginning to enjoy the view and the cool breezes on my face with my delightful constant companion, Christ.
And when I’m sure I just can’t do any more, He just smiles and says, “PEDAL!”.
Dr. Michael Sprague is the Louisiana State Chaplain with the Capitol Commission and President of Grace Adventures. Michael lives with his wonderful wife Donna and resides in Mandeville, LA. His motto is “Bet the Farm on God.” You can find more information about Michael here.
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