Back Seat on a Tandem | Previous Challenge Entry

how it works

TITLE: Back Seat on a Tandem | Previous Challenge Entry
By Sharon Graham
02/03/06
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Back Seat on a Tandem

It was one of those beautiful spring days that so easily tempts even the most studious collegian away from books and papers. I was a freshman, and my upperclassman friend Melissa, who was really more like a big sister, had suggested borrowing the dormitory's tandem bike for a spin around our picturesque little college town. A tandem bike? I had never ridden one before! Come on, Melissa urged. It's not hard. She even offered to ride in front so that I would have the "easy" part of just pedaling.

However, I soon found that riding second seat on a tandem is not all that easy for a beginner. It took Melissa and me a few attempts to coordinate our takeoff, but even that was not the most challenging part. Whenever I had ridden a bike before, I had always been in control of the handlebars. In my position on the tandem bike, however, my handlebars were stationary. Nevertheless, I found myself frantically trying to steer, which usually upset our balance and caused us to have to restart several times. I also had to trust my partner for the brakes. After much patience and encouragement on the part of Melissa, I was finally able to relinquish control of the bike to her and focus on my task of pedaling, and thus we had an enjoyable study break.

In addition to being a fond college memory, my tandem bike lesson reminds me of my tendency to want to be in control at times when I shouldn't. There are times in life when I frantically try to steer from the back seat instead of letting others, or more importantly God, have the rightful place of control. That doesn't mean I have no responsibility at all. When riding the tandem, I still had to do my share of the pedaling. In God¡¯s word, I am exhorted to control my tongue and thoughts. In life, I may not be able to control outward circumstances, but I can choose my reaction to them. Learning when to be in control and when to surrender it may take some practice. Like riding a bike, balance is key.

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