Ironic that as I try and find the words to start this post the hardest part is just getting started.  I find myself writing, erasing and then re-starting because I want the words that come out to be perfect.

I want everything that I do to start strong.  To have a great beginning.  To wow, to make a difference.  What I often lack is the elegance to just get past the starting line.  Truthfully, this blog and the fact that I have posted more than 10 of them on a semi-regular basis is the best “start” that I have had in a while.  When it came to getting on this bike and peddling my way through life it was the same way.

The day that I went in to “try on” the bike it was terrifying.  I literally looked the gal in the eye and asked her if it was going to be able to support my weight.  Go ahead and laugh, I did!  She assured me that I would be fine and off I went riding this thing down the street in my jeans and t-shirt because I of course did not plan any better and foresee actually having to ride this bike.  Please tell me when “trying a bike on” did not include actually riding it?  I obviously wasn’t thinking.  Regardless, off I went.  I recall thinking to myself that it had been years since I was on a bike and truthfully struggled with wether or not I would remember how to ride it.

I recall the same feelings when I was in the midst of making the decision to follow after Christ as an adult.  Growing up we were raised going to church and even in high school I went back but as an adult it felt so much different.  I totally understood the concept, I prayed the prayer and felt in my heart what it seemed like I was  supposed to feel but I really had a hard time getting started.  I wanted to start off with a wow look at how she’s changed but it just seemed like it was a struggle to get there.  I didn’t feel like I fit in!  I felt like I was riding a bike with jeans on… there was something not quite right about that picture.

That’s when it hit me.  It had nothing to do with what I was wearing, with what was on the outside.  It had everything to do with the change that was happening on the inside.  When I “tried on the bike” I didn’t think far enough ahead to wear other clothes.  It didn’t dawn on me that I would actually be riding it, I just knew it was the next step in getting my bike.  Making the decision to follow Christ was the same I may not have looked all put together on the outside but handing over my life on the inside was the next step.  It was all about just getting started.

“If only you would prepare you heart and lift up your hands to him in prayer!  Get rid of your sins, and leave all iniquity behind you.  Then your face will brighten with innocence.  You will be strong and free of fear.  You will forget your misery; it will be like water flown away.  Your life will be brighter then the noonday.  Even darkness will be as bright as morning.  Having hope will give you courage.  You will be protected and will rest in safety.  You will lie down unafraid and many will look to you for help.”  Job 11:13-19