This is the story I mentioned in my post to Paul M.. I have carried this in my wallet for the past year. It has given me the strenght to trust and live. These words are now a part of me. I hope they help you also.. <P><BR>The Road to Life:<P>At first, I saw God as my observer, my judge, keeping track of the things I did wrong, So as to know whether I merited heaven or hell when I die. He was out there, sort of like a president. I recognized his picture when I saw it, but really didn’t know HIM. <P>Later, when I met Christ, it seemed as though life was rather like a bike ride. It was a tandem bike, and I noticed that Christ was in the back helping me pedal. <P>I don’t know when it was that He suggested that we change places, but my life has not been the same since.<P>When I had control, I knew the way. It was rather boring, but predictable…. It was the shortest distance between two points.<P>But when He took the lead, He knew delightful long-cuts, up mountains, and through rocky places at break neck speeds. It was all I could do to hang on! Even when it looked like madness, He said, “Pedal”!!<P>I worried and was anxious. I asked, “Where are you taking me?” He laughed and didn’t answer, and I started to learn to trust.<P>I forgot my boring life and entered into the adventure. And when I’d say, “I’m scared”, He’d lean back and touch my hand.<P>He took me to people with gifts I needed, gifts of healing, acceptance, and joy. They gave me gifts to take on our journey, My lord’s and mine.<P>And we were off again. He said, “Give the gifts away, they’re extra baggage, Too much weight.” So I did, to the people we met. I found that in giving I received, and still out burden was light.<P>I did not trust Him, at first, in control of my life. I thought He’d wreck it, but He knows bike secrets: how to make it bend to take sharp corners: how to jump to clear high rocks: how to fly to shorten scary passages.<P>I’m learning to shut up and pedal in the strangest places. I’m beginning to enjoy the view and the cool breeze on my face, with my companion, Jesus Christ. <P>And, when I’m sure I can’t do any more, He just smiles and says… “Pedal”<P>---Holy Sweat, By Tim Hansel<BR>