~ A "Riding in the Bicycle Basket" Life ~

A neighbor stopped over Saturday with a teddy bear and 2 beautiful porcelain dolls that had been sitting in the corner of her bedroom. She thought my daughter might like to have them. Of course, being a mom I could only think of the germs - but, my daughter was so thrilled, I couldn't bring myself to squelch her excitement and mention the dust that had gathered on these dolls. And, suprisingly enough - she set the fancy dolls upstairs in her room and carried that little 12 inch bear around with her everywhere this weekend.

This bear went from sitting in a corner to seeing the world. It road miles in a bicycle basket going over homemade ramps and grassy yards. It had its stuffing jumbled for hours in the arms of my daughter on the trampoline. Teddy got an education in "Grossology" at the Science Center and of course took rides in the family van. He even got dressed up and fed with pretend peaches. The bears new care-giver has now created a life full of amazing and beautiful experiences.

While Teddy got lots of new experiences he got lots of new bumps and bruises. He already has some sticky stuff of unknown origin on his foot and was dropped more times that I bet he could count. And, after one of those "oh, I dropped Teddy!" exclamations I had a thought..... That bear has a new life....much like ours in Christ.

Without Christ, we really are just sitting in the corner of this world watching life pass us by. But, if we let Him be our "owner" ~ oh, the world that we will see! I have to say there are moments in my life that I feel like I am sitting in that bicycle basket, with Him at the pedals, riding, relaxing and just loving the view.

Then, there are times the journey may be as bumpy as a ride on the trampoline ~ if I just let myself be held by Him, I know the bumpin' will eventually stop, and, I will be safe.

And, admittedly, I have falls, whether of my own doing or others, that are so painful I'm not sure I will survive. But, as I watched Teddy get picked up, wiped off, and held even closer, I was reminded that my Savior gives me the exact same loving care. The harder my "crash and burn", the tighter He holds me. The nastier the situation, the bigger His arms become.

As I watched the new duo jumping on the trampoline, I found myself thanking Christ for the "out of the corner and riding in the bicycle basket" life He has so graciously given me. And, I praised Him for picking me up and holding me so very close when I fall.

While at times a life in Christ may have some bumps and bruises as He molds and refines us ~ I would not trade it for all of the world.

~ His love is humungously mountainous

~ His grace is undeservingly precious

~ His grip is powerfully strong

~ And, His gift of life is so beautifully purposed

The lessons a mom can learn from a dusty old teddy bear are amazing!!!