More From Robert A. Perales

I wrote today’s blog in a very different season of life than where I find myself today. However, it seems fitting because today’s devotional was written years after that memorable night I learned to ride a bike. Both are born in reflection.

Reflection is such a grand gift from the Lord, and it is only through it that we gain wisdom. John Dewey, an American educator, said, “We do not learn from experience. We learn from reflecting on experience.” Whether we find ourselves reflecting on a joyous high point in our lives or perhaps a moment soaked in grief and sorrow, time often provides a degree of separation that allows us to reflect and see how God may be showing us something unexpected. Yes, even bicycles can provide a new lens for us to view our faith through.

Today my family and I find ourselves living in a different city, serving a different church, and learning to steer the roads of life in new ways. As for my bicycle, my prayer is that whoever has it now is making good use of it. (It was stolen years ago.) I did, however, purchase a new bike. But after a particularly embarrassing accident in which I soared head over handlebars, my bike is no longer rideable; the front wheel is horribly bent out of shape. Without a straight-and-narrow stature, my bicycle wheel can no longer fit through its frame.

Are you able to reflect on a moment when you were so bent out of shape that you were not able to ride the road God was calling you toward? How did you adapt? How did you grow? In what ways were you able to partner with God in finding a new way to continue your journey of faith? I look forward to hearing your stories of how God helped you to get straightened out and back on the road. Who knows, maybe your stories will inspire me to finally fix my bike and get back to riding. Peace and blessings!