The Tandem Bike Analogy

 

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A Tandem Ride With God --Author Unknown

I used to think of 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 didn't really know Him.
But later on, when I met Jesus, it seemed as though life was rather like a bike, but it was a tandem bike, and I noticed that Jesus was in the back helping me pedal. I didn't know just when it was He suggested we change, but life has not been the same since I took the back-seat to Jesus, my Lord. He makes life exciting. When I had control, I thought 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 break-through speeds; it was all I could do to hang on! Even though it often looked like madness, He said, "Pedal!" I was worried and 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 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 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 I am learning to shut up and pedal in the strangest places, and I'm beginning to enjoy the view and the cool breeze on my face with my delightful constant companion, Jesus.

And when I'm sure I just can't do any more, He just smiles and says... "Pedal." 
  
The Savior took me for a ride...

My husband and I had been distant, withdrawn for each other for the past two weeks. We had multiple stresses in our life that were contributing to this. Both of us made assumptions about why the other was being distant. It was a big mess!

Then we had an argument this morning. Accusations, criticizing, anger, frustration, etc. I straight out told him, I didn't like his recovery plan.

He left for work and we were both completely unsettled.

Then, I was prompted to call him. I listened!

The Spirit taught me what to say.

We talked for 30 minutes...openly...honestly...shared feelings...listened...validated each other.

We learned...found more healing...let go of each others recoveries.

It was an amazing experience!

He came home and we snuggled in each others arms. I felt safe...comforted...peace.

I told my husband, "So this is what it feels like to be connected emotionally, physically, and spiritually?"

He smiled!

It was a good recovery day!

"Now we are called upon to surrender our will and our lives, to surrender ourselves completely...We have learned that clinging desperately to an unmanageable way of life doesn't work. It is only when we let go of our desperation that we begin to truly live our lives. We are like drowning swimmers:by struggling to save our lives, we sink even deeper; by relaxing, we float to the surface. When we are willing to give up our lives, we can truly gain them...We can be confident that God is always there for us and always desires the greatest good for us. Anyone can begin to tap into this source. To do so, we must only be willing." (Healing Through Christ, Step 3, p.31)

I am so grateful I was willing to listen to the Spirit today.

I took a BIG step forward.  I let go of his recovery. I gave it to God and felt peace.

The Savior is in control. He's taking me for a ride. It might be difficult, even scary, but I will see new perspectives, meet new people, and learn new things. Most importantly, I will find healing and help others along the way. The Savior will always be there pedaling with me, encouraging me to keep going.