“You, however, have followed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness…”

2 Timothy 3:10

“I pedaled as fast as my elementary aged legs could go. I was setting land speed records with each trip around the block. Except for the span of about three houses. For this stretch I went as slow as I dared. New neighbors just moved into the middle house and the rumor was they had a boy my age. Oh how I wanted to meet him. I wanted to ask him to play. But I was way too passive to make the first move. Instead, I rode around and around with strategic stalling in front of his house. I was hoping he might make the first move. He didn’t. Thankfully, my mom was amazing. I walked in my house, defeated and dejected. And mom grabbed me by the hand and we walked right over to the new neighbors and she stood next to me as I rang the doorbell. Matt and I developed a great friendship over the years. It became second nature to go and ask if he wanted to play. But not that first time. That first time was intimidating. Making friends can be really hard. Inviting someone to play—especially that first time—is really hard. But like so many other things in life, repetition makes things easier and easier. The same is true when it comes to investing time in the Word of God.”

These are the opening lines of my forthcoming book, PLAYbook for Life: Discovering Joy in the Word of God. They celebrate my mom who shepherded me towards friendship and fun. She did it this day and many others. That’s what Mom’s do—they hold your hand and lead you where you want to go and they encourage you to learn to reach for those goals on your own. Thanks Mom!

This is our life of faith too. Learning the faith and growing in it is not a solo sport. It isn’t something we do on our own. If faith is a muscle, who is your personal trainer? And if faith is a violin, who is your teacher that helps you make beautiful music?

We are in this together. The power of God is readily available. But, it is often difficult to find on your own. Having others help you on the journey is God’s plan—that we would help one another on the path.

I rode around the block countless times, knowing what I wanted but unsure of how I would get it. My mom was far more experienced. She’d been down this road before. So she grabbed my hand and walked with me to the front door. She made me push the door bell, but she was by my side. She assured me as I was nervous. She walked into the house with me and comforted me.

The same story plays out in growing faith. Knowing what you want and knowing how to get it are not the same thing. Who are the people in your life who will hold your hand and stand with you. Who will walk into a new way of reading and studying God’s Word. They stand by your side, ready to help, asking questions, and celebrating that you are taking a step.

This is the body of Christ. This is how God’s Kingdom works. Of course, the best news of all is that Jesus is with you in all of this. He is sitting on the handlebars of your bike as your ride around. He is nudging your heart to explore new possibilities. He stands with you as you ring the doorbell on the next adventure in your life and in your faith. Jesus does not abandon you. He is with you. And He gives you people to tangibly help you on your way.

Happy Mother’s Day (a day late) to all the mom’s who grab children by their hand to help them reach their goals.

May you be encouraged by those who do that for you in your faith today. And, may you seek opportunities to help others.

When was a time someone led you where you needed to go?