When the Training Wheels Come Off
He removed the extra pair of wheels from his son’s bicycle. Then our son-in-law gripped the back of the bike seat, steadying four year-old Josiah for his first attempt at riding sans training wheels. Off Josiah rode, pretty tipsy at first, then faster and faster, with Daddy running hard behind, all the while advising, coaching and cheering his little boy.
A couple of loops in the parking lot and suddenly Josiah was pedaling without Dad panting and hanging on behind. His mom and dad, grandpa and grandma (that would be me!) and siblings whooped and hollered! What a milestone in a child’s life. Suddenly he was a cyclist… changed forever!
The next day Josiah announced confidently that he would be glad to teach a playmate of his how to ride bike. Twenty-four hours and he already considered himself an expert! How quickly he seemed to have forgotten his father’s steadying hand and sound advice that made it all possible. Ah… such is human nature! Such is my nature!
Josiah’s Daddy is proud of his son’s achievement. And he grins at his son’s youthful exuberance. His ego isn’t wounded by his child’s over-confidence. He knows that there are more lessons ahead when once again his little boy will need his father. He knows there will be some painful stumbles and wipe-outs and he’ll be there for his boy. He loves Josiah enough to keep on teaching him, even when he knows he might not get the credit.
How often I have welcomed my Father’s help… even begged for it! Then, when I think I’m cruisin’ just fine on my own, I forget about the One who taught me everything worth knowing! ‘Til I fall, that is… then I’m crying. But somehow Jesus is always within earshot! It’s Him that picks me up, brushes me off and gets me going again… and again… and again. And when I need to master the next new skill, He’ll be there.
My grandson’s biking serves as a daily reminder of the many good lessons God has taught me and continues to teach me ever so patiently. Now Josiah flies on his bike. It doesn’t wobble anymore. He doesn’t crash at the bottom of the hill. But the other day I asked him, “So, tell me, who taught you to ride bike?”
“Daddy did!” he stated emphatically.
I guess if a four year-old can remember to credit his Daddy, maybe I can credit mine too!
Since my youth, O God, you have taught me, and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds. Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your might to all who are to come. (Psalm 71:17 & 18)