Fantastic Family Friday: Training Wheels and Walking on Water

For weeks my daughter tried unsuccessfully to ride her bicycle without training wheels.  Fearing falling, she would not peddle forward and stay on the bike. 

We lived in the country.  A large rolling green hill faced the front of the house.  Anna-Frances and I sat down in the white rocking chairs on the porch, facing the hill.

Rocking next to my six-year old, I asked,” Do you remember the Bible story about Peter walking on the water?  In a great storm, the disciples experienced fear.  When Jesus came walking on the water, they were afraid.  They had never seen anyone do that before.  What did Peter do that no one else did?”

“He got out of the boat and walked on water.”

“That’s right, honey,” I replied.  “He tried something new and trusted God to care for him even though it was scary.”

She quietly and thoughtfully listened.  “Anna, what do you think God wants you to do with this bike?”

“Trust God and try to ride.” 

We arose and walked the bicycle to the very top of the large green hill.  She mounted, and I held on from behind.  As she began peddling, I ran behind her.  Knowing she had her balance, I let go of the bike and yelled, “Go, Anna!  You’ve got it, babe!” 

Watching her peddle that bike all the way to the hill’s bottom remains one of my favorite memories from that season of our lives.  She got out of the boat and rode without training wheels.

David told his son Solomon, "Be strong and of good courage, and do it; God - my God - will be with you.  He will not leave you nor forsake you" (1 Chronicles 28:20).