Article submitted by Field Coordinators in SE Asia
After 10 years of living in a country that has billions of motor bikes as the preferred mode of transportation, the time has finally come for me to step (or ride) out of my comfort zone. Thanks to a very dear and persistent friend, I had my first motor bike lesson on Valentines Day.
Please notice all the fluffy tall grass that we chose for my landing zone just in case I took a fall. I soon found out that riding on the back of the bike, knowing that someone else much more experienced is in control, is much easier than driving the bike. I guess this is a great example of how I feel about God being in control of my life.
Take notice of the terrified look on my face. This was the simplest of bikes to try to learn on. It is automatic. Right hand is go and left hand is stop. I was so concerned about what little rock was in my path that I kept my head down and looked right in front of me. By doing that, I missed seeing the big hole coming my way. I think this a lot like my life too. I am so preoccupied with the small things that happen every day and then fail to see the big picture that God wants me to see.
Once I had a few practice rounds in the grass, my friend decided it was time to try the road. Thank goodness there was very little traffic. Right turns, left turns, up and down hills I went. With each lap around the block, my confidence was building. And then I hit a bump and my smile and pride faded away quicker than I could let out a scream. I quickly recovered without falling and knew I had learned another valuable lesson . . . I should never feel so confident that I think I can do it all without a few bumps along the way.
That is why God is ever watchful over his children . . . He knows we are scared to try new things, but like my friend, encourages us to move past our fear. He knows we may not be able to focus enough to see the big picture, so He stays focused for us and guides us along the right paths. And, He knows we will still stumble, especially when we start thinking we can do alone. I thank God He is with me always and is ready to pick me up when I stumble.