Out of Practice

With no big plans for the day other than the Rodeo in the evening, I decided to hark back to younger days. I asked my Portland son if I could ride his bicycle. It is one of those multi-speed (18 I think he said) things and the tires are very narrow. . .but not so much as the seat.

He agreed and I chose to ride to a local Nature Center and Park about a mile or so from his house. I would only have to ride on the street for a couple of blocks and then take the paved trail the rest of the way to the Nature Center.

As I started from the house I tried to remember when I was last on a bicycle. . .maybe 12-15 years ago. Well, it was just “like riding a bicycle,” except that my skills have eroded and my balance has. . .shall we say, shifted. But I got it going and it was great that it was downhill almost all the way. About half-way there I reminded myself that coming back would be all uphill. Ugggg. Small obstacles were not so little anymore, and pedestrians, especially with dogs, were a challenge on the narrow trail.

As I was putting the bike away, I got to thinking about how some folks have been “out of Church” for a long time, maybe even “years.” Coming back may seem like a very difficult thing. People have changed. . .new come, old leave, maybe the staff is different, and in all probability those individuals have changed as well. It will not be “easy” to just drop back in. No doubt, if it is a real Church, you will be welcomed, but it will be different, to some degree unfamiliar, and what to say, or how to reach out, may be a bit difficult.

Somehow I think we need to get past that. And, as quickly as possible. Just get out there and show up. It’s kind of like riding a bicycle. If they don’t know you, it’s OK. If they do, they will welcome you. The new staff. . .or the old staff, will be pleased you came. (Reads Hebrews 10:25)

I am even thinking about buying a new bicycle. After all, I got this!