Life Lessons from Bike & Bible
Oil your chain.
A bike works best when maintained with care. While putting effort into maintenance doesn't guarantee you won't crash, it reduces your odds of a flat tire.Relationships are a lot like that. It takes some work to make them run smoothly. This work is always worthwhile. I have never regretted spending extra time with a friend, but I often regret not doing so. Who wants a friendship with a flat tire of neglect?
"But anyone who remains in the teaching of Christ has a relationship with both the Father and the Son." (II John 1:9).
Slow down a bit.
There's a hot shower waiting back home. But my goal isn't to get there as quickly as possible. I'm riding because I enjoy it. Yes, the feeling of speed is wonderful – but so is the reward of picking a clean line.
Sometimes we get to choose how quickly life moves. We should balance the constant urge to move forward with a desire to do what is right. David wrote in II Samuel 22:
"The Lord rewarded me for doing right;
he restored me because of my innocence.
For I have kept the ways of the Lord;
I have not turned from my God to follow evil."
Better to do the right thing slowly rather than anything else quickly.
Don't hang on so tight.
The best way to get through a rough, steep spot is to let off the brakes, loosen your grip on the handlebars, and let the bike bounce around beneath you. A slippery root will always grab your back wheels and sling it sideways. But this isn't so bad unless you were expecting to go straight."'I know the plans I have for you,' says the Lord" (Jer. 29:11). He knows his plans, and I don't. I should be ready to accept the occasional redirection from my anticipated path.
