Sharing the Ride

Scriptures: Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. (Matthew 112:29-30)

Many years ago, our church went to beautiful park for an outdoor service. It was a wonderful park with a lot of green meadows with many trees that offered comforting shades and a beautiful lake with trails going around for views.

After the service, we had some time to walk around and see the park. We discovered that there was a shop there renting bicycles. So we rented one of those that allow the seating of four so we could take our parents with us. There were two sets of pedals on the bike. But, after a closer look, I discovered that only one was actually connected with the front and rear wheels. The other pedal was there only for fun. So, it really doesn’t matter how hard one tries to pedal on that one, it’s not doing anything at all. Therefore, in essence, only one person was really driving the bike. With four seated, we were not able to go fast. But, we certainly enjoyed the beauty of that park.

I think, in many ways, our lives are just like that bike ride. Sometimes we are so busy pedaling that we overlook the beautiful scenery along the journey. Sometimes we are so tired from pedaling that we are physically unable to enjoy the beauty surrounding us.

But, it really doesn’t have to be that way. Jesus invited us to join Him for the ride through life. Like that bike, there are 2 pedals in life, one for us and one for the Lord. And, just like that bike, only one will actually drive our life somewhere. That one belongs to our Lord. The one He left us is the one that is easy and light.

How often we fail to see this truth. We step on that pedal so hard as though we can jump over a 3 story building, only to find that it doesn’t produce any momentum in life. Then we are discouraged, thinking that it’s futile to do anything in life. As much as we are intellectually informed that our Lord is the Lord of our lives, our focus in life is so heavily influenced and distracted by our circumstances that we forget that important reality.

Jesus knows where we’ve been and the troubles we are in. In His heart-felt invitation, He gently reminded us that He is the one pedaling the bike that takes us through this journey called life. He urged us to trust and rely on Him.

More than that, He offered the invitation so He can share the beauty of life with us and the two of us, Jesus and us, may enjoy the fellowship throughout the journey. He knows how lonely we can be sometimes. He knows how the demands and responsibilities in life can veil the beauty of life He has in store for us. He wants to come alongside and offers His ears for listening, His hands for support and guidance, His heart for our comforts, and His wisdom for our edifications.

Are we lonely because there’s no one understands us? Are we so busy that there’s no time for break? Jesus’ bike is right in front of us. He’s calling out to us to join Him for the ride through life. Don’t wait. Don’t hesitate. Jump on the bike and give Him time and the driver seat. I am sure we will find our journey through life is joyful and beautiful.

Prayer Requests:
For those tasked with young children, elder parents, and a demanding career

Prayer:
Our gracious Lord, thank You for coming alongside and offering Your shoulder for our burdens. Help us to trust You and rely on You for wisdom, strength and directions so we may truly experience the fullness of blessings you have prepared for us. In the precious name of our Lord Jesus we pray, Amen!