Lessons From A Morning BIke Ride

Biking to and from school on Fridays is becoming a tradition we love.It starts the weekend out perfectly and celbrates Fun Friday as soon as the day starts.

This morning, what started out as a routine Bike Ride to school with my two daughters, ages 7 & 9, ended with a life lesson.

The ride to school is short and simple, at least that is what I think. At one point, my 7 year old was lagging behind and soon I realized she was crying and calling for me. Not just a few tears-- she was sobbing.

When she caught up to me she said, "I cant go over that "mountain"... It is just too hard for me.... I cant do it like everyone else... I can't go fast...It is too steep." All of this was sandwiched in among deep sobs and tears.

My first reaction was a desire to take her bike and ride it for her or go back and push or walk her up the hill. Quickly, I realized she was capable of making it on her own. She had crossed this "mountain" before with ease.

With some encouragement and perspective from me, she pulled herself together, adjusted her helmet, and rode the rest of the way (on the 'down' side of the hill) without tears and happy as could be.

This short incident, helped me ponder and reflect. Mind you, I live at sea level-- NO mountains here- not even hills. My children have visited many real mountains, yet today, my daughter was facing a mountain. The "mountain" my daughter was referring to is a small bridge over one of the paths on our golf course. To a 7 year old, this was a mountain, to me, I had never given much thought about going up and over the bridge. I just did it.

Lessons learned from this Bike Ride and my 7 year old:

• Life is full of mountains for each one of us
• What may be a mountain for one person is not a challenge for another- it is all about perspective
• Some mountains must be climbed by you--this is for your learning and growth.
• Although the mountain must be climbed and alone, it is easier with encouragement and support from friends and family.
• Do not worry about going over the mountain as fast as every one else. The important this is that you face forward and continue on your journey. Your legs may hurt, you may become weary, yet keep peddling.
• Just because someone seems to climb your difficult mountain with ease, remember, every person is has a mountain they must climb.
• You will not always be peddling up hill. There is a downhill side of the mountain. The downhill is the reward for enduring the uphill.
• As with real Mountains. some of life's are bigger than others, some can be climbed quickly and with ease, some take more time and effort,

In life, I am thankful for a Savior, Jesus Christ, who takes my mountains, smooths them out, and lets me ride on flat terrain. He is the only one who can completely take my mountains away. Whatever the mountain is, I want to climb it with the support of friends, family, and The Savior.

Am I thankful for the mountains of my life-- yes!!! What an education!