Matthew 11:18-30
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
Life can be hard! Whether you are young, middle aged or a senior, sometimes we can be overcome by the challenges and stresses of our lives. We lose sleep trying to decide which way to go. And sometimes we get so wrapped up in trying to find our way, that we forget to put our faith where it belongs. I first heard this poem by Tim Hansel over twenty five years ago. Its message is timeless.
THE ROAD OF LIFE
By Tim Hansel
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!”.
