THAT FIRST STEP

These two little wonders learned to ride their bikes this past weekend---sans training wheels.





  As their mother shared their triumph with me, I was taken back to those days of teaching my own children how to ride.  The process begins with you holding the bike by the handle bars and seat and running along beside the bike as they learn to peddle.  As their balance gets better, you are able to hold on to only the rear of the seat--just a little touch to help them stay upright on two wheels.  Eventually you let go and as they are concentrating and pumping those legs so hard--they do not even realize it--they are off to the races.



This little darling decided to go for the vertical recently.  It has been a process of helping her stand, holding those fingers, encouraging her, and giving a round of applause each time she bravely takes those steps.  She is not to the point of consistently being upright-but that day is quickly approaching.

All three of the grands have experienced their share of falls while adding these new accomplishments to their repertories.  They learned balance by continuing to try--and not allowing the pull to the horizontal to defeat them.  It takes building core muscle and learning balance to defeat the laws of gravity.  A little help and a lot of determination garnered the reward of success.



I recently posted about the courage we need to swim in the deep water where the beauty is found.   This quote by Winston Churchill says it all. Try, try again and then try some more.   Life is filled with opportunities--and unless we have the courage to take that first step--that initial leap-we will miss the thrill and beauty of the adventure.  The boys could have spent the rest of their days with training wheels---but how much harder is it to peddle a bike with four wheels than two?  Lucy could have spent the rest of her life crawling, but knees were not meant to be calloused and the scenery is much better when you are vertical.  

What are we missing out on by allowing fear and hesitancy to control our lives?  Every adventure I have experienced took almost every ounce of my courage to take that first step into the unknown.  I have never regretted a one---and the best stories are always about the closest encounters with danger and the difficult paths leading to the conquest.



OH--and the sights I have seen by taking that step--that risk--that plunge into the unknown.   The glory I would have missed had I not tried.


13 Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.
I Corinthians 16:13


9 comments

  1. Yes, ma'am...very true...lovely photo's, thank you for the smiles on this Wednesday morning. Blessings

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    1. You are courageous, My Friend! Going back to college had to take a lot of bravery ! Not here you are confident of obtaining that sheepskin and s new chapter in life. Proud of you, My Btave Friend!
      Blessings!

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    2. It is a dead give away I am replying on my I Phone when I have spelling errors such as these. Need those new glasses to come in!

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  2. One thing for sure, Lulu, you are a very brave and courageous person indeed. You have mastered many sports as the photos you have published here testify. And I guess, this courageous spirit of yours has stood you in good stead many times in life. You're an example to us all.

    God bless.

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    1. Brave or stupid, Victor? There seems to be a fine line at times!
      Blessings, Friend!

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    2. Brave or stupid, Victor? There seems to be a fine line at times!
      Blessings, Friend!

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  3. Hi Lulu! Congrats to your grands who are maturing and moving at a great pace! I love watching children, I learn SO much from them.
    You have moved forward many times in spite of your fears and the unknown. In my book, you are as brave as your little ones. I really like that quote from Churchill you have here too. Everything is passing, even success. The power to get up and get going is the important thing. Without it, all you can do is crawl!
    Blessings,
    Ceil

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    1. Amen, Ceil, and I have done my share of crawling!
      Blessings!

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    2. Amen, Ceil, and I have done my share of crawling!
      Blessings!

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Your comments keep my writing and often cause me to think. A written form of a hug or a pat on the back and an occasional slap into reality---I treasure them all!