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Cal's Pastoral Epistles
"Ride Like The Wind"
July 2, 2008
It was like a scene from a Norman Rockwell painting. In the church
parking lot were two young children on bicycles and a young mother
cheering them on as they tried to ride for what may have been the very
first time.
Both bicycles had training wheels and streamers hanging from the handle
bars. The girl's bike had a basket with a flower attached and the boy's bike
had a racing stripe. The scene was perfect and as I looked on, I was
transported back in time to my own childhood.
I was five or six years old when my father pushed me along and let me go
sailing down the street for the first time. I didn't have the luxury of training
wheels so I fell as the momentum of the bike came to an end. I got right
back up and we did it again. I was determined to ride that bike. I don't
even remember what the bike looked like, but that day marked the
beginning of a long and enjoyable ride for me.
As I watched the scene unfold in front of me, I realized just how difficult
riding a bicycle can be for someone who has never done it before. We take
the little things for granted don't we? We forget that we all had to learn to
walk and ride before we could soar.
I also noted how frustrating it was for the one who was trying to be
supportive. You could tell that the kid's mom was trying hard not to get
upset. If she could, she would have hopped on the bikes and pedaled for
them. But she had to let them do it in their own time.
As I drove away it dawned on me that the same thing is true when it
comes to living our faith. The apostle Paul compares us to a baby and a
toddler as we come to faith. He goes on to talk about the maturation
process. He suggests that our growth takes place over time. With growth
comes freedom and the ability to take off and reach new heights of glory.
What's even better is the fact that God is so patient and kind. He doesn't
get angry with us. He understands that we may not take off right away.
God sticks with us, encourages us, runs after us and cheers us on until we
can ride like the wind. Once we decide to follow God, he gives us the
freedom to take off and enjoy the ride as we go wherever life takes us.
Here's the Good news? When we ride, we never go solo. I think there is no
greater joy for God than to be with his children so when we finally take
off, God rides with us.
So what are you waiting for? It's Independence Day. Enjoy the freedom
you have and get out there and ride. Not only will you be going green, you
will be cruising with the "Big Guy." Now that sounds like fun!
God bless. See you in church. Cal.
July 2, 2008
It was like a scene from a Norman Rockwell painting. In the church
parking lot were two young children on bicycles and a young mother
cheering them on as they tried to ride for what may have been the very
first time.
Both bicycles had training wheels and streamers hanging from the handle
bars. The girl's bike had a basket with a flower attached and the boy's bike
had a racing stripe. The scene was perfect and as I looked on, I was
transported back in time to my own childhood.
I was five or six years old when my father pushed me along and let me go
sailing down the street for the first time. I didn't have the luxury of training
wheels so I fell as the momentum of the bike came to an end. I got right
back up and we did it again. I was determined to ride that bike. I don't
even remember what the bike looked like, but that day marked the
beginning of a long and enjoyable ride for me.
As I watched the scene unfold in front of me, I realized just how difficult
riding a bicycle can be for someone who has never done it before. We take
the little things for granted don't we? We forget that we all had to learn to
walk and ride before we could soar.
I also noted how frustrating it was for the one who was trying to be
supportive. You could tell that the kid's mom was trying hard not to get
upset. If she could, she would have hopped on the bikes and pedaled for
them. But she had to let them do it in their own time.
As I drove away it dawned on me that the same thing is true when it
comes to living our faith. The apostle Paul compares us to a baby and a
toddler as we come to faith. He goes on to talk about the maturation
process. He suggests that our growth takes place over time. With growth
comes freedom and the ability to take off and reach new heights of glory.
What's even better is the fact that God is so patient and kind. He doesn't
get angry with us. He understands that we may not take off right away.
God sticks with us, encourages us, runs after us and cheers us on until we
can ride like the wind. Once we decide to follow God, he gives us the
freedom to take off and enjoy the ride as we go wherever life takes us.
Here's the Good news? When we ride, we never go solo. I think there is no
greater joy for God than to be with his children so when we finally take
off, God rides with us.
So what are you waiting for? It's Independence Day. Enjoy the freedom
you have and get out there and ride. Not only will you be going green, you
will be cruising with the "Big Guy." Now that sounds like fun!
God bless. See you in church. Cal.
Pastor Cal Lord writes these weekly epistles to
help us see God in every day things.
help us see God in every day things.
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