July 17, 2025
Summer is here, and school is out. Total boredom for the grandchildren has not completely set in yet - but it's close. There has been so much rain that their outside time has been limited.
This past week, Liza, who is 11, and Lottie, who is 7, decided to ride bikes. We live in a cul-de-sac but also on a very steep hill. There are only 4 houses in our cul-de-sac, and they are all at the top of the hill. The girls have become very brave and will ride their bikes down the hill.
As I was watching them this week, I thought about how differently they approach the challenge. I see myself in both of them and the way they navigate challenging situations. I definitely look at the hill as a scary challenge. Liza is the cautious one. She starts slowly about halfway up the hill. She goes down the incline, and each time she comes back, she starts a little further up the road until she feels comfortable riding her bike down the hill. As she rides, she keeps her foot resting on the brakes almost the entire time in case she needs to slow herself. She does not pedal as she just glides down the hill, holding very tightly to the handlebars and completely focused.
I tend to be the same way when facing challenges or changes. I am not a fan of change at all, even though I know change is essential and has to happen in life. I like a set routine and the comfort it provides. Like Liza, I start my challenges very gradually and tentatively. I have to find my rhythm and take it slowly. I keep my foot resting on the brake just in case there is something that doesn't go as planned.
Challenges have a good amount of uncertainty. I rely on the scripture in Proverbs that says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight." To handle the uncertainty and not be afraid of the potential dangers, I have to trust God. My cautious self wants to put the brakes on totally and avoid any change or challenge whatsoever.
I am aware that is not how life works, so I head down the hill as I place my trust in God. I do think God knows my heart and my fears. He is so patient to let me pedal slowly as I adjust to new challenges, realizing that HE never changes!
Now on to Lottie and her bike riding down the hill. Lottie is the epitome of "no fear." I wish you could see her. She walks her bike up to the very top of the hill. She jumps on that bike, head down, pedaling as fast as she can as she flies down the hill. I mean as fast as she can. Of course, just watching her puts the fear in my heart.
She enjoys the thrill of the journey and loves the challenge of adventure. You can tell it from the joy on her face. I am going to be honest and say I wish I had the confidence to embrace change and challenges like that, but I don't. I am, however, married to someone who does. It seems both Lottie and Wayne reflect the joy and freedom of complete trust as they let go of their fear. It's living, believing, and trusting in the One you know who made the hill and guides you as you drive the bike.
Freedom is not something passive, but it comes from a relationship with Jesus through faith and obedience. John 8:36 says, "So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free." I have to remember that the challenges of life are there for a reason and not let my fears affect my freedom and my joy. The ride might be scary, but you will never ride down any challenging hill alone. I doubt seriously that you will see me riding any bikes down any hills, big or small. I will, however, continue to watch as my grandchildren tackle those challenges of life.
As they do, I will constantly pray they will gain wisdom as they maneuver the challenges of change, allowing God to guide them so their journey will always bring them joy. What more can we ask than for our lives to reflect the joy, freedom, and exhilaration of trusting God completely as we let go of fear? That is the true thrill of the challenge of this life!
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Jill Johnson finds spiritual applications in her everyday experiences as a wife, mother, grandmother, and Georgian. Jill is retired from the Georgia Baptist Mission Board and is available to speak to your church's women's gatherings. Reach her at jjohnson@gabaptist.org.
