Inaugural Ride

By Mary DeMent

Three year-old David eyed the bike. A few neighborhood boys had stopped by to play with his older brother, Sam. Hunter dropped his training wheel-free bike near the road. David watched Hunter run off. He looked at the bike and glanced back at Hunter, twice. Then, David seized his opportunity. He carefully approached the bike, still on the lookout for Hunter's return and began mounting.

"He's going to ride that thing!" I motioned to the other moms gathered. I ran down to the road and held the back of the seat. David began to peddle. I jogged a few steps. Waving me off, he said, "Let go, Mom. I got it!" And off he rode! Three years old. No helmet. No shoes. Not even a shirt, I'm afraid to say! After passing several houses, he lost balance and hit the pavement. Helping him up I asked if he was okay. He said, "Yep! Now I'm going to ride Hunter's bike back to him!"

I could learn a lot from David in the "seizing opportunities" arena. Sometimes, you just have to "go for it!" In the best (and safest) circumstances, you plan, you prepare, you organize, you equip, THEN you execute. If I knew David’s inaugural ride was coming, I would have told him, "Wait! Let me get your helmet, shoes and shirt! Hold up! Not yet. I need the video camera and someone to snap a photo of your first ride without training wheels." But sometimes, the crucial life moments won't wait for a video shoot.

Obeying Mom’s prior instructions on bike safety would have ensured David’s well-being. Rules are created for our protection. Helmets prevent concussions. Clothing and other padding, shields our bodies from scrapes and bruises. David possessed none of the above yet managed to escape injury…this time.

I pray that David’s athletic aptitude pervades other areas of life. May he be a quick learner, not just when it comes to balancing a bike, jumping a ramp or smacking a ball down the third base line. May David’s knowledge go beyond biking and ball fields. I pray David learns how to balance the game of life.

God gave David a thrill-seeking nature. But, he also gave him a cautious and caring mother. We both have a lot to learn.

“My son, preserve sound judgment and discernment, do not let them out of your sight; they will be an ornament to grace your neck. Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble…” (Proverbs 3: 21-23 NIV).