BUMPING HELMETS

“Bump heads with” – to clash with another person on a particular issue; disagree

What about “bumping helmets?” Inevitably, when I am on the motorcycle with Benny, we will bump helmets. When he accelerates or slows down and I’m not anticipating it, my helmet hits the back of his because I have relaxed and I’m not stressing about holding my head still. Thankfully, Benny doesn’t seem to mind.

I have discovered two particular reasons I try to stay close enough that we bump helmets, protection and anticipating. Sometimes I think I could scoot back and get more comfortable, give my back a rest. But when I do, it takes more effort to hold myself and my head upright, because Benny doesn’t block as much wind that way. It also takes me out of reach to hold onto him and steady myself when we suddenly accelerate or slow down. So, in the long run, it actually causes more strain on my body and back instead of relaxing them. When I sit back alone, on my own, I leave the safety and protection his presence offers. When I am close enough to feel his body movements and bump helmets, I can anticipate his next move.

It is the same with me and God. Many times, when walking with God, I have wanted to back up “just a little bit” thinking I could get into a better position and let down my guard a little. It might feel good for a moment, but it never lasts. Being on this journey with God isn’t always comfortable. In fact, it rarely is. He takes me out of my comfort zone to keep me close to Him. If my life was always cozy and plush, I wouldn’t need His Presence.

I tried sitting back away from Benny when we were riding yesterday, and it took everything in me to stay upright. Every muscle in my body tensed up fighting the wind. Holding my head up was terribly hard. God wants us saddled up next to Him so that we are behind Him when the cold winds blow, and life knocks our feet out from under us. Life’s circumstances can be bitter and cruel. Many times, we get hit with unexpected events that rock our world and knock the wind out of us. But if we stay close to Him, some of the force and intensity will be filtered and lessened before it reaches us. Just as I had to fight harder to stay upright when I scooted away from Benny, it is harder to stay upright and keep our head up when we’re not staying close to God.

He wants to block for us. Nothing happens to us that He has not filtered and decided whether it is something we can handle or not. We are His children. He will never force us behind Him. He gives us free will to “sit” anywhere we want. When we choose to sit close enough to “bump helmets” though, we are right where He wants us, behind Him and under His protection.

I used to have my own bike, but because of meds I’ve been on, my balance is off. This means I only ride behind Benny now and have to totally trust his decisions and ability to keep us upright and get us where we’re headed. Sometimes he reaches down and touches my leg, reminding me he loves me, and he’s got this. He is comfortable in the driver’s seat and will call on his experience and hundreds of hours of riding to take care of me. God is the same. He stretches out His right hand and reassures us that He is comfortable in the driver’s seat of our lives and He’s got this, in fact, He’s always had it.

LORD, this morning, I want to be close enough to You to “bump helmets.” I want to allow You to sit in the driver’s seat of my life and just lean into You through the twists and turns. You know what is ahead, and I don’t. You know how to handle the cold winds that will inevitably blow and knock the wind out of me. And You know that no matter what may come, we can face it together. Thank You for loving me, even on my worst days. Thank You for always being an anchor for me to hold onto. Remind me daily, to get on the back, give You the driver’s seat, and then scoot up, so that we are close enough to “bump helmets.”

**So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

**Come near to God and He will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. James 4:8