“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5 NLT
Once. Only once! In my early twenties. I experienced the adventure of riding, what the famous 1892 song coined, “A Bicycle Built for Two“.
Riding on the back of that tandem bike revealed me! Within minutes I discovered I had control issues. If you have never hopped onto a tandem bicycle, you have to understand a few tandem facts: The rider on the front seat is called the Pilot or the Captain. The title identifies his responsibilities. These include everything to do with controlling the tandem: steering, balancing, braking, gearing. With a clear view of the road ahead, he calls out commands to the rear rider and communicates the next move as quickly as possible.
The rear rider on a tandem is called the stoker. Her responsibilities include giving up all bike control and investing 100% trust into the front rider. (ergo, my problem!) She must attentively listen and respond to the commands of the pilot, lean in the same direction as the front rider to maintain balance, and provide as much power through the pedal stroke as possible to help the pilot maneuver the weight of the bicycle. Her view is limited; therefore she embraces other roles including photographer, food provider, singer, and general entertainer. (Really not a bad gig!)
The close proximity of the two seats offers quite a few benefits: The two riders are never separated from one another; therefore a weaker rider has no fear of being left behind. The two sets of peddles rotate in sync with one another. Riders experience a genuine camaraderie as their strokes rise and fall in steady and perfect union. The riders cover twice the distance they would complete on a solo ride. The stoker (you know, the one without any control) begins to recognize the benefits of this rear position. Her role doesn’t require the attention or decision making of the pilot. It doesn’t take long before the stoker appreciates the pilot’s skill and strength to carry them over challenging terrain.
This tandem bicycle is an astonishing metaphor to our walk with Christ, and while I hate to admit it, I’ve faced these same control issues on my spiritual journey. It required time on this back seat, traveling long distances in companionship with my Pilot, before the fight for control yielded to an increasingly deep gratitude and incredible joy.
He carries the heavy burden I had once attempted to carry alone!
….He sets the course.
….He pays attention to the fine details of our journey.
….He freights himself with the responsibility of reaching our intended destination.
….He continuously watches out for pot-holes, pitfalls, and other potential hazards.
….His strength supplies endurance on the journey when mine falters over challenging terrain.
My job is to be attentive to His instructions, to remain in balance with His movement, and to relish each moment of the journey… moments every bit as central as the destination itself.
I enjoy capturing a few snap-shots to help me later recall the wonder of our adventure together. The fear of lagging behind or the nagging worry of never reaching my destination has faded.
His strength reminds me I have nothing to fear.
If you have only ridden solo, Jesus invites you to join him on a tandem ride…custom-fit for you.
He desires your company
….on an adventure of His leading
….along a course He has charted
…..toward a fruitful destination He has prepared for you!
I certainly hope you will post the pictures along the way for a watching world to enjoy!
Beauty Awaits…
Patty
Photo Credit: amsterdamtour.co.uk
I LOVE this visual of being the ‘stoker,’ riding tandem with Jesus! Thanks, Patty! Also, LOVED your Part 2 post. I read the first part of the post, and then got busy. When I returned to the second part a few days later, it was a very special and pleasant conclusion. Blessings, my friend!
Great post, Patty! So applicable to daily life. Thank you!