We are enjoying a much-anticipated and planned-for few days at the beach right now. And after a busy-as-usual couple of weeks back at home, we are relishing in the slow pace, lack of schedules, and lazy days. As my husband and I take a few minutes to happily pull out our laptops for non-work stuff, I want to remember an experience that I had yesterday.
Just before we headed out from home on Wednesday afternoon, we surprised Madison with an early Christmas gift--a new bike. She finally learned to bike on her own on Mother's Day this year, but has not been altogether comfortable or fluid in her biking skills while riding Joshua's old--and terribly small--Spiderman bike. It simply was a poor fit, and it resulted in a wobbly ride and a drop in confidence for our sweet girl. It just hasn't been a very positive time for her.
Not too surprisingly, the moment she mounted her new bicycle, Madison's experience of biking has risen to a new level. She is steady, confident, independent, and free...and she loves to bike! And what a great place to ride as a family. Yesterday we rolled through quiet neiborhoods, navigated crossing one busy intersection, and made our way to a fun (and yes, touristy) outdoor market and restaurant. It's been fun to realize this new activity that we can all participate in and enjoy as a family. Now that Madison is riding better, and Joshua is riding very well on his own, Caroline gets to occupy the wonderful bike tandem/trailer that allows her a little independence while securely attached to her Daddy's bike. All this leads me to the whole point of this post...
As we were cruising along yesterday, I was filled with such joy for Madison and her newfound skill. While my husband led our little caravan, I brought in the rear and assured that everyone in between was safe on the ride. Here's my view as we rode along:
I couldn't help but realize what a metaphor this was for our life as a family. No matter where we are or what we are doing, we are taking part in a journey. This life is all about journey, not destination. Our destination--the whole point of all that we do and say and experience--is eternal unity with our Creator. That is our goal, not our little lives down here. It's an important perspective to have as we navigate this life, as it is so easy to get caught up in our day-to-day concerns and stressors and plans.
Also as we rode along, I was acutely aware of our placements on our ride. My husband, not I, was the one leading. He was the one charting our course and deciding where we would turn, move forward, stop and stay. We, of course, had discussed our plans and determined together what we would do for the day, however, he was ultimately the one in charge. My place was at the end of the line. From that location, I monitored everyone's ride. I encouraged and praised their successes. I made sure they were making good choices, that they were safe and secure, and that they were protected from the various dangers and potential pitfalls that lined our route. That was my role and I loved fulfilling it. But I was not the leader. That's a bit of a hard pill to swallow for this admittedly rather independent, somewhat type A, goal-oriented individual. But as I grow, I am constantly reminded that our Lord has a particular plan for every one of us...and we simply can't all be the boss. He's got a perfect model of marriage and family (the love of Christ for His bride, the church) that He lays out very clearly in His Word, and I would do well to honor those guidelines. When my husband and I work together, respecting the gifts that we have been uniquely given, and following the loving model that God gives us, our family grows closer to each other and closer to the people that God calls us to become. It's an unbelievable privilege to be a mother and a wife, and to get to be right here on the sidelines as these kiddos grow and mature and learn. I get to cheer them on, to chide them when they make unwise choices, and to cherish them in all their joys and heartaches. But I don't get to be the boss.
What a great lesson to learn on a bike ride.
What a great lesson to learn on a bike ride.
...for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.
Luke 18:14, New King James Version
