At first I saw God as an observer, maybe someone with a telescope who watched me from far away. He was like a judge, keeping track of what I did right and what I did wrong. At the end of my life, He would decide whether I deserved heaven or hell. I did not know God back then.
Later on I met Jesus, and I started to see life like a bike ride. It was a tandem bike and now Jesus was in the back helping me to pedal. I don't know just when He suggested that we switch places, but life has not been the same since. When I had control I knew what way I wanted to go. It was a little boring but predictable. I had the same friends, we did the same things. Life was the shortest distance between two points.
But when He took the lead, He showed me delightful long cuts, up mountains and through rocky places at break-neck speed. It was all I could do to hang on. Even though sometimes it all seemed crazy, He'd just keeping saying "pedal."
I would become worried and ask: "Where are you taking me? Can I trust you?" But He'd just laugh and say "yes" and slowly I started to trust. I forgot my boring life and entered into the adventure. And when I'd say I'm scared he'd lean back and take my hand. He took me to meet people I never thought I would ever associate with and they would become my friends. They had things that I needed: gifts of acceptance and joy, lessons about life and love. And sometimes we'd meet people who needed a gift from me. I'd never done that before. When I would be overwhelmed by it all, Jesus would just smile and say, "I told you it would be fun!"
I must say I did not trust Him at first in control of my life. I thought he would wreck it. But He knows bike secrets, and I have learned that they are the secrets of life, too. He knows how to take sharp corners, how to jump high rocks and how to stop and rest in the most amazing places. Now I am just learning to enjoy being with my Lord, to pedal without fear in the strangest and beautiful places, to enjoy the wind in my hair and the sun on my face. I could never have gone where I have gone, or seen what I have seen, or become what I have become without Him. And still He just says, "Pedal." -anonymous
We found our tandem bikes five years ago. Little by little we'd let go. And now, here we are, just one day away. This tandem bike thing is so awesome -- wish I would have figured this all out much earlier.
But, the blessing is that we've found it. The peace -- even a day out -- it's amazing. It's indescribable. It's hard to put into words. Yes, it's probably overwhelming to think of someone else taking the wheel, but if you let Him, it's the best thing ever. Ever. He will never leave you. And in the words of our dear friend Steph Westers, you can close your eyes while you continue to pedal. He knows where we're going -- He's at the helm. He is so good.
Thank you so much for your encouragement for our family -- your prayers, your blessings and cards, the notes and messages on Facebook, emails, your huge hugs, your love and support. Know that you're all coming with us (we've packed you into space bags!). And yes -- we will most definitely be connected via blog, newsletter and Facebook in Africa. If you don't have a Facebook account, this is your official nudge to get one. And, choose to "follow" the blog so you'll continue to be updated on "Our Journey IN Swaziland".
See you later (it's not goodbye!), God bless, and Gujeso Bambela..."Hold onto Jesus" in SiSwati. Always remember that He's got your handlebars covered -- just trust Him wholeheartedly and pedal. Even if it means selling everything and taking 23 suitcases to Africa.
