“Hear, my son, and accept my words, that the years of your life may be many. I have taught you the way of wisdom; I have led you in the paths of uprightness. When you walk, your step will not be hampered, and if you run, you will not stumble.” -Proverbs 4:10-12
Building Courage
I recall when I first taught my son how to ride his bicycle. One day, he watched me take off the training wheels, and I told him it was time for him to take the next step and learn how to ride on his own. He was nervous, but I told him to trust me and follow my instructions. I stood behind him and told him that I would run along behind him as he began to peddle. I showed him that I was holding the bicycle seat so he wouldn’t lose his balance. At first, he was afraid, but then he found courage and began to peddle. He kept looking back to see if I was still there.
Building Confidence
With a steady voice, I instructed him to peddle faster still holding onto his seat. He listened with encouragement and began to peddle faster. When he picked up enough speed, I released the grip from his seat, but I continued to run along next to him. He saw that I let go and he smiled at me. He realized I was still with him! He knew I would be there to catch him if he fell. As he rode down the street, he called back to me, “Look Dad, I can ride my bike all by myself, now you can go get your bike and ride alongside me!”
A Father’s Lesson
- Good fathers teach their children how to grow by building courage and confidence.
- They support their children, especially when life becomes difficult.
- Most importantly, they remind their children that they are never alone.
The Bigger Picture
This is the same relationship promised to every person when they choose to participate in a relationship with God. We are His children.
“When we drew near to Him He disclosed himself to us!”- Alcoholics Anonymous