Partners in Parenting

Partners in Parenting

“Against the Wind!”

I went for a bike ride yesterday afternoon.  I took the same path Jen and I usually take when we go for a bike ride.  We don’t go that often, but we typically do the same 14 mile trip.  We go 7 miles in one direction before turning around to come back home.  The wind was blowing so hard in my face during the first half of the trip that I actually considered turning around and going home.  My legs felt like they were on fire as I tried to maintain a steady, but rather slow, speed.  The ride quickly became a chore, and it was not even in the ballpark of something I’d consider to be fun.  I wanted the ride to be enjoyable, but it was not.  I wanted to go faster, but I could not.  I thought about turning back toward home, but I did not.  I just kept pedaling and ignoring the pain in my legs. 

Now, the return trip was a completely different experience.  I pedaled along just fine without any pain in my legs.  I settled in to a comfortable pace, and I was “flying” toward home with little effort.  I actually had to use my brakes to slow down on a few of the curves on the path.  It was a pleasant relief from the first half of the trip.

I thought about how life can be like that sometimes as well.  Days, months, etc. of life can be supper difficult and almost unbearable.  Days, months, etc. of life can also be fairly easy and enjoyable.  It is part of the ups and downs of regular life.  As I considered this, I was only thinking about my own life, but I later realized that it is true for our spouse and kids as well.  Everyone’s life can feel like everything happening is like riding a bike “against the wind.”  Our lives can also feel like everything happening is like riding with the wind at your back.  Both experiences are good in their own way, but maybe experiencing life “against the wind” can help us grow in faith more than experiencing life with the “wind at our back.”

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.”  James 1:2-3

PS. Did any of you parents read the title above and immediately think of the Bob Seger’s song??  If so, you are getting older --- just like meJ

Family Discussion Points!

Parents, share a story or two with your children about a hard time in your life.

Kids, share a subject, chore, or sport that is hard for you and feels like you are riding “against the wind.”

Talk about how hard times develop perseverance.  Is that a good thing to have??