I Just Have This Feeling

I was participating in a conversation with a father of boys. He was making it clear that all boys need to do three things and not fear them: learn to swim, have a dog, and ride a bike. Noah had learned to swim. Noah had a dog and not just any dog--he had a huge dog! And Noah had a bike. His bike was blue and yellow with training wheels that he received for Christmas a few years back. He used to take it to the top of 3210 South and ride that bike down that hill as fast as his little legs would allow. He appeared to have absolutely no fear. I was fairly confident that it wouldn't be long until he had picked up on bike riding. I was amazed at the distances we would go.

Noah also received a Chariot (three wheeled scooter) from his grandparents. Noah could go back and forth between his many set of wheels. To go along with the bike and Chariot, was a big wheel and a regular scooter. I was simply happy about movement and activity. Soon he had outgrown a few of those toys and the other children were learning to ride their bikes. Noah moved into a new neighborhood and the Chariot was quite the novelty, which provided him with ample attention and praise. Noah's father became concerned that he would feel no need to ever ride a bike. We encouraged Noah, nonetheless, to try riding his bike and take the training wheels off, but the older he got the more hesitant he had become.

One day while riding bikes around the block, Noah tipped and fell to the ground. This was not the first time it had happened and so I did not think much of it. Every time thereafter, he simply refused his bike and took the Chariot. I must say, he looked pretty cool on that and so, I was resigned to the fact that he would have his own means for getting around.

Noah and I took a path along the river. It was an absolutely beautiful spring day. Everyone and their dog, no literally and their dog was out enjoying the warmth of the sunshine. Several young children buzzed by on their bikes. It appeared to be an exciting family adventure for many. Noah was quiet and pensive. He said, "You know mom, I just have this feeling that Heavenly Father is telling me I can ride a bike. I think He is telling me I am ready and that I can do it."I was stunned that he brought up the subject. "I think you are right Noah. It will be Father's Day in June and I will help you learn to ride a bike so you can surprise your dad." He quickly suggested, "I know, lets have dad take off my training wheels right now and then we will pick it up and come back."

What? Training wheels, he didn't even want his training wheels? Today? He is ready to do this today?   He took my phone and called his dad that very moment.

I left on a few errands and prepared myself for the task at hand...holding him up to balance him...knowing when to let go...encouraging him to try again if he fell...

I picked him up, the bikes were loaded, and off we went to the river trail. Noah jumped on his bike and pedaled away. I  was in utter disbelief and overjoyed with excitement at the same time. "My little boy is riding a bike!!!!" You could see in his eyes and posture how proud he was and what a sense of accomplishment he felt, "Mom, can you believe I am riding a bike? I just knew Heavenly Father said it would be okay." Oh the faith of a child.

What I learned from Noah: There are difficult things to confront in life. Sometimes we just are not ready. Heavenly Father keeps His eye on us. He strengthens us with His unseen hand. He breathes courage into us through His unfailing love and then one day, He whispers to your heart, "You are ready" and there is no mistaking it. You are ready and so you TRUST and oh the places you will go. I am in that place of facing difficult things...things that frighten and overwhelm. Like Noah, I will keep moving forward doing the things I know well, until I HEAR that FEELING in my heart that says,"YOU ARE READY."