Faith?

I went on a trail ride with my brother and his family yesterday. One of my favorite moments was when Parker, my oldest nephew, decided that he was going to ride the Onewheel instead of his bike. Trails can be quite challenging and he had literally just started riding on his own. Parker embraced the challenge with enthusiastic determination.

When we got to the trailhead we pulled Harrison’s bike off the trailer and soon discovered that his back tire was completely flat.  Fortunately, Parker’s bike was now available but…Harry was not that comfortable with it.  We all tried our best to bolster his confidence.  We lowered the seat and provided many words of encouragement.  Harrison reluctantly walked the bike to the trail and started to pedal.  He was concerned about this bigger bike and really not convinced that he was ready for the challenge.

Parker pressed on with the Onewheel, 7.7 miles with one fall and zero complaints.  I am still blown away by how far he has developed his skills in such a short time!  His determination far overshadowed any lack of confidence he may have had.  He wanted it and he got it done.

Harrison also did the 7.7 miles on Parker’s much bigger bike and he did it without any crashes.  At one point he said,  “You were right!  All I needed to do was just ride it for a little while and I would get comfortable with it!”  Harry’s lack of confidence was overshadowed by support and encouragement from his family and he also got it done!

Confidence has become too much of a rarity.  Don’t beat yourself up, though, because confidence is tricky.  It is tough to gain and is easily lost—but we really do need it, in ourselves, in each other, and in God.  

Faith is a measure of confidence.  How is your faith in God?  We should be confident in God and that faith will echo in ourselves and in those we love.  Rise to challenges either with sheer determination or through the support and encouragement of others and get it done because through Christ great things are possible!   Be relentless in your pursuit of that great gift!

‘This is the confidence that we have through Christ in the presence of God. ‘ 2 Corinthians 3:4