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Bike Ride

Grab

Bikes and helmets

Water bottles

Go

This won’t be the Tour de France, but it will be fun! Build anticipation for the ride by having a bike inspection in the garage. Make sure the tires are at the right pressure, that your daughter’s seat is adjusted to a comfortable height, and that the chains are clean and lubricated. Choose a route, whether on the road or on a bike trail. Avoid lots of intersections to cross or busy streets if your daughter is a beginner. Take a few minutes to talk about bike safety and put on your helmets.

Decide who will lead and let your daughter set the pace. As you travel, stop from time to time to enjoy a nice view or have a drink of water. Keep distance in mind; you’ll want to save up enough energy for the return trip to your home or vehicle.

If your daughter is inexperienced, she may need several reminders to stay to the right side of the road or trail. Have patience with her slower pace and stamina. Once you return home and park the bikes, give her a hug and let her know how thankful you are to have time with her.

It is admirable for a man to take his son fishing, but there is a special place in heaven for the father who takes his daughter shopping.

John Sinor

Grow

A bike is very different from a car: you travel under your own power. This limits the speed and distance you can travel, and the only thing between you and the pavement is your helmet.

This is a little bit like life. We can go through our days depending on our own limited strength or on the mighty power of God. It is God’s desire for us to depend on him more and more. With him all things are possible (see Matt. 19:26). He doesn’t want us to settle for less. On our own, we don’t have the power to overcome sin or know God’s best plan. We need him for wisdom and courage. Even our goodness depends on him. What do you need to depend on God for today?

Dear God,

Thank you for giving us your strength to lean on. Please be the power in our lives! We want your goodness, wisdom, and love. Our own efforts to be like Jesus will fail every time. Give us the humility to ask for your help and hold on tight to you. We don’t want a fake righteousness that we make on our own. We want the real thing—hearts filled with your Spirit. Amen!