How I love an adventure!
adventure :: an exciting or very unusual experience; participation in exciting undertakings or enterprises
Maybe that’s one reason why I enjoy tandem bicycling with my husband. Let me tell you, that’s one of the greatest adventures I’ve ever encountered.
But I’ve not always been this way. I used to fear adventures.
I considered them unpredictable and out of (my) control. Adventures were unplanned and spontaneous. And I was the opposite of these words. I liked knowing what was going to happen, and when, and for how long.
Adventures can be difficult for those of us who like to be in control.
I can’t quite put my finger on what broke me of my control issues, but I believe riding tandem with my husband played a part in it. I mean, really, on the back of the tandem I have no control over anything. I just sit back there and pedal. (And enjoy the scenery!)
I often relate our tandem biking to my life with God.
God calls you and me to follow His lead. And when we do, He’s delighted.
The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Psalm 37:23 NLT
As Jesus is in the driver seat (the Captain) of the tandem, and I’m in back (the stoker), we’re in proper position. I’m following His lead, His commands. He’s telling me when we’re turning and in what direction, warning me of bumps in the road, giving me ample warning for when we’re slowing or stopping. He’s doing His part, and I’m doing mine.
And He’s encouraging me to enjoy the scenery as we go. (That’s my favorite part!)
He’s a great driver. I’m a (sometimes) good follower.
When we let God lead, life becomes a beautiful adventure.
Just as biking is an adventure, so is life with Him. I recently wrote about it here. He takes us to unplanned and unexpected places. His route for us may be entirely different than the route we would have chose, but His is much better. Where He takes us may not make sense to us, but He knows what He’s doing.
We can trust our Captain.
If we keep peddling, and keep listening, and keep following, He’s going to lead us to breathtaking sights, to beautiful moments with Him, and to an amazing final destination.
Life with God is a beautiful adventure.
One full of joy and contentment.
You direct me on the path that leads to a beautiful life. As I walk with You, the pleasures are never-ending, and I know true joy and contentment. Psalm 16:11 Voice
There’s no better life.
Friend, don’t be like I used to be. Learn from my stubbornness and mistakes. Don’t try to be the one in control. Trust me, you’ll miss out on many blessings. Allow Jesus to do the driving. Allow Him to lead.
What a beautiful adventure and an amazing journey!
Peddle and enjoy the scenery.
Much love to you today!
Julie
What joy it is to link up with Suzie Eller and friends for #livefreeThursday. You’ll be blessed reading what’s going on over there!
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All my Hobbit-ish tendencies are being shown up by this excellent post!
Seeing your picture on the tandem bike and hearing about the freedom of following God into the unknown — I could be tempted to take a risk or two . . .
Thanks for this great post! Always encouraged by your words!
Hi Michele! And I’m always encouraged by your words too! Thank you. Let’s take a risk together. He’s got it all under control. Have a beautiful day!
Oh, Julie. You guys are so cute. This is such a beautiful adventure. May God bless your path!
Thank you, Meg! We aren’t so cute some days on that bike, but we sure have a lot of fun together. Bless you for stopping over and sharing today!
Glad to connect from Suzie’s site. I love riding a tandem bike. Isn’t that fun?
Hi Angie! Thanks for coming by. Blessings to you!
One of my favorite memories was biking around Macinac Island. My husband and young daughter were riding tandem. The rest of us glided down the trail while my husband labored and perspired. Come to find out, unknowingly our tiny daughter rested her feet on the pedals just right so the brakes were on. That’s kind of the passenger I tend to be with God. Boy I hate realizing that. Oh, how I love being in control and putting on the brakes when I’m not sure where I’m going. Thanks for this great post Julie! You’ve given Me a lot to think about! Cindy
Love your story, Cindy! There are times riding with my husband I’d like to put on the brakes too, but I can’t as he controls the breaks on his handlebars! I find myself trying to do the same with God at times. Doesn’t make much logical sense, but still, I do it. I appreciate your words and your presence here. God bless you!