Look Out for Cars

Nicholas and I went on a bike ride today. He was upset because he had spilled his Sonic slush drink. I thought the diversion would be good and it was. I love that little guy. He is full of contagious energy and always has so much to say.

First we talked about bike helmets. He wanted to know if when he was bigger he could stop wearing them.

"Cars will be able to see me then," he justified.

"No, honey. We always wear helmets because it keeps our head from getting smashed if we should have an accident."

But I wanted to continue on and tell him that I've seen a young boy die because of a bike accident. If he'd been wearing a helmet, he'd be alive. It was when I lived in The Woodlands. The place is full of walking trails and kids venture out after school. Well, a neighbor's son was on his way home, darted out of the trail across the intersection without looking and... you know the rest. It was horrible.

My children will wear bike helmets.

We also talked about dogs. Nicholas has a friend down the street, and he rides his bike to the boy's house by himself. He said something about a dog barking at him once. So I told him that if a dog ever started chasing him, he should ignore it and keep pedaling. Even if it's growling just keep going, don't look in its eyes.

On the way back from our ride, a dog did just that. It was a large, but precious, dog. He started following us so closely that he almost knocked us over. He barked and tried to get in front of our bikes. I looked over at Nicholas and he was looking straight ahead with a serious expression of determination.

"I sure am glad you told me about dogs like that," he said after the dog turned around and headed back home.

"Just remember, always look ahead and move forward, no matter how vicious things seem; don't pause for a second, keep pedaling. But always look out for cars."

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“So He (Jesus) said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!”” Matthew 14: 29-30

Inspiration: Scibbling Spiritual Sand at Wolfrosebud's blog- Click the link to join in and/or read more inspirational words.