Fall Uphill
My husband has been riding motorcycles since he was a preschooler. His bike is just an appendage, maneuvering it is as natural has walking and breathing. The world rocketing past in a blur brings him rest and restoration. Testing his agility and speed against others, that’s part of the exhilaration. Years ago when he began racing, one of the more seasoned riders always broadcast at the starting line, “If you’re gonna fall, fall uphill.” There’s a phenomena, called off-camber, every rider must learn to overcome. It is not always practical or possible to go straight up or down a mountain side. While winding up a trail the rider must fight gravity pulling him and his bike down the mountain. The trick is to concentrate on leaning toward the uphill, keeping the bike moving and finding secure places to put your feet down if you absolutely must stop.
The summer after we were married Keith surprised me with a small dirt bike to call my very own. Who needs roses and chocolate? I smiled the bewildered smile of a woman wondering where the white picket fences were hiding, but I hopped on and kick started that little machine anyway. Keith had dreamed of wedded bliss where he and I, husband and wife, would spend endless hours riding through the backroads and forests of places far and near. Me? Climbing roses on white fences!!!! But I also desired to be Keith’s dream girl. Three days after receiving my gas burning bundle of fun, I was carried to the mountainous countryside near Greers Ferry Lake, Arkansas. The trails were predominantly narrow, with a steep bluff to one side and mountain side to the other. I was frightened and overwhelmed. Keith just kept saying, if you start to fall, fall uphill. Ummmmm. Thanks, but WHAT?!
There was a huge gap between Keith’s practiced and perfected ability to spot and plan for events that would need feet on the ground and my inexperience. I was so engulfed in the many functions of shifting gears, balancing, correcting speed and avoiding immovable obstacles that I panicked and made many mistakes. My bike spent more time on its side with me kicking dust in frustration, than it did flying through the woods as Keith had imagined. It was disappointing and painful for both of us. To put it gently, I failed terribly at biking.
The trick to remaining upright and moving forward is leaning toward safety and security, and putting your feet on something stable. Successful Christian living is the same.
Turn you ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me. Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me. Psalm 31:2-3
People that live victoriously aren’t just the lucky ones. They work hard at making strong choices, always knowing where they’re heading and making sure they are focused on higher, solid ground.
I would like to add, while the racers are out in the wilderness chasing the wind, no rider ever goes down helpless and hurt except that many stop and assist, or in some instances, comfort until medical professionals arrive. At the end of the day, someone always brings the injured rider’s personal gear to the truck, securing it and getting it all home. Why? Because you just don’t let bad things happen when you have the power to help.
When the way becomes treacherous, find The Rock and solid footing. Fall uphill and if you miss, good and capable help is on the way.
Blessings,
Gretchen
Perfectly said
Thank you! Love you and missed you today! See you soon.