Ridley often arrives at his grandma’s to find his older cousins have brought him toys and books they do not want anymore.  A few weeks ago he found a toddler-sized two wheel bike with training wheels.  He was so excited, especially because it had a picture of Lightening McQueen on it.  He hopped on right away and started riding around the patio. 
Dustin tossed the bike in the back of our car, and on the way home stopped to pick up a helmet, “a cool one with flames on it,” according to Ridley.  Later that week we decided to go for a walk and let Ridley ride his bike.  Dustin walked right next to the bike ready to grab the handlebars if need be.  As we turned out of our driveway onto the road, Ridley was grinning ear to ear.  He was so proud of himself and was enjoying the ride.  But as soon as he saw a hill in the distance he said, “Daddy, there is a big hill.  Help me Daddy!”  Dustin assured him that when we got to the hill, he would help.  “You’re fine right now.  I’m here.  I’ll help when you need it.”  A few seconds later, Ridley looked at the distant hill again.  “Help me, Daddy!  There’s a hill!” 
“I know, Buddy.  When we get there, I’ll be right here to help.  You’re ok.  You can do it.  Just keep peddling.”  This same conversation continued throughout the entire bike ride.  Ridley would cry out, concerned about something he saw in the distant future, and Dustin would gently reassure him, all along having complete control over the situation.
As I watched and listened to my boys from a few yards behind, I thought…isn’t that just like our relationship with Jesus?  Many of us walk through this life looking around at all of the dangers we may encounter.  We worry about loss of loved ones, sickness, financial problems, war, difficult relationships.  And all along Jesus is walking beside us, assuring us he will be there to take over and steer us through when we need it.  He reminds us that he is in control and we are safe in his care, no matter what we may encounter.
In Luke 12:6-7 Jesus says, “Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies?  Yet not one of them is forgotten by God.  Indeed the very hairs of your head are all numbered.  Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”   Can you imagine the love of a God who knows the number of hairs on our head on any given day?  He loves us so much, and longs for us to trust him with our future.  What a wonderful Heavenly Father we have!
Perhaps like me, you want to cry out to Ridley, “Your daddy will protect you and help you up the hill!  Just enjoy the ride!”  With that same reassurance Jesus is crying out to you, “I will help you when you need it.  I have your life under control.  All you need to do is just sit back and enjoy the ride!”

Originally written September 19, 2015