Hand of God
Submitted August 25, 2008

About 4 years ago during a RUTS 200 kid’s ride, I witness a beautiful scene I’ll never forget as long as I live. The kids were adorable with their bikes and riding gear. I was blessed to see patient fathers and adults riding the slow kids pace with what seems like never ending starting and stopping. I’m sure when these adults ride without the children, they are flying.

For me the highlight of the kids ride was a water crossing that was about knee high for the men.  I think the water was from melted snow. The water current was not dangerous, but it was strong enough to scare the kids. To calm the kids, the men instinctively took-up strategic positions. Some stayed on the first side to instruct the kids on how to cross. Some went ahead to the other side to help the children as they approached the other side. To give comfort, instruction and help, one or two men positioned themselves in the middle of the water to carry the kids and their bikes if they couldn’t make it across.

Depending on their age, size and confidence, the kids were either carried on shoulders or rode their little bikes across the water with the men holding them up so they would not fall down. Some kids with enough courage and skill crossed on their own. Nevertheless, an adult was there to help if needed.  I guess because I’m a woman -- I’m emotional. I cried with joy and felt like shouting the Psalm, “This is the Lord’s doing. What a marvelous thing to see” (paraphrased).

It was marvelous to see adult Christian men showing patience, love and care for children. These men could have just been concerned with their own joy and rode by themselves and crossed the water easily, but they chose to set aside time with the kids. The men gave the kids the opportunity to experience the joy of riding, see beautiful scenery, and conquer their fears.

I was blessed because I saw two spiritual truths. First, these men were like our heavenly Father. He will never leave us when we encounter circumstances in life that cause us to panic. He is strong enough and big enough to carry us through on His shoulders during our difficult circumstances. He will be there for us in every need depending on our level of our spiritual maturity or faith. He will not to baby us nor force us to grow up too quickly. If our level of faith is still weak, He will not hesitate to put us on his big and capable shoulders to carry us safely to the other side. If our level of faith is strong, He will let us go through by ourselves, but will never leave our side. He is with us every inch of the way ready to catch us anytime we fall.

The second spiritual truth I saw is that the Holy Spirit is like the men that stayed on the land to give comfort, assurance and instruction to the kids before they attempted to cross the water. They said, “Don’t worry,” “You’ll be okay,” “We’ll carry you,” “We’ll help you,” “Would you like to try to ride it?” The men and kids on the other side were like the angels and saints before us. As the kids crossed the water one-by-one, they encouraged them by shouting, “Here we are,” “You can do it! “ “We are so proud of you!”

Sincerely,

Sis Melanie Sinex

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