The Road of Life

My spiritual director, Fr. Mike gave me this poem and I though I would share:

At first, I saw God as my observer,

my judge,

keeping track of the things I did wrong,

so as to know whether I merited heaven

or hell when I die.

He was out there sort of like a president.

I recognized his picture when I saw it,

but I really didn't know Him.

But later on

when I met Chris,

it seemed as though life were rather like a bike ride,

but it was a tandem bike,

and I noticed that Christ

was in the back helping me pedal.

I don't know just when it was

that He suggested we change places,

but life has not been the same since.

When I had control

I knew the way.

It was rather boring

but predictable. . .

It was the shortest distance between two points.

But when He took the lead,

He knew delightful long cuts,

up mountains,

and through rocky places

at breakneck speeds,

it was all I could do to hang on!

Even though it looked like madness,

He said, "Pedal!"

I worried and was anxious

and asked,

"Where are you taking me?"

He laughed and didn't answer,

and I started to learn to trust.

I forgot my boring life

and entered into the adventure.

And when I'd say, "I'm scared,"

He'd lean back and touch my hand.

He took me to people with gifts that I needed,

gifts of healing,

acceptance,

and joy.

They gave me gifts to take on my journey,

my Lord's and mine.

And we were off again.

He said, "Give the gifts away;

they're extra baggage, to much weight."

So I did,

to the people we met,

and I found that in giving I received,

and still our burden was light.

I did not trust Him,

at first,

in control of my life.

I thought He'd wreck it;

but He knows bike secrets,

knows how to make it bend to take sharp corners,

knows how to jump to clear high rocks,

knows hot to fly to shorten scary passages.

And I am learning to shut up

and pedal

in the strangest places,

and I'm beginning to enjoy the view

and the cool breeze on my face

with my delightful constant companion, Jesus Christ.

And when I'm sure I just can't do anymore,

He just smiles and says . . . "Pedal."

------Author unknown

I don't recall the particular discussion that Fr. Mike and I were having that enticed him to give me this poem but sometimes it's easier to make a point with poetry than by talking. We must learn to trust God. Stop constantly trying to steer. So switch places with Jesus and let Him steer.