esterday my wife and I attended a motorcycle safety course called BikeSafe that was operated by the local police department. All of the instructors are motorcycle cops.
There is some classroom time, and then you are given a page with the route to ride on it. Each student is matched up with an officer who follows you on his motorcycle.
At first it is a little unnerving being around so many cops. But in the class time, the officers explain how this day is for you. They are passionate about one thing, teaching you to be a better, safer rider. I began to understand- this isn't a day about giving out tickets, this is a day they give to help you enjoy riding and staying alive while doing it.
It's amazing how confident you can be when you are riding in traffic with that police officer riding behind you! Go ahead, see my riding buddy today? Let him catch you cutting me off! Go ahead, make my day...
Now I'm horrible with directions. I taped the little paper to my tank and we headed down the road followed by my instructor. A few times I missed the turn, had to turn around as he politely pointed to the correct way. But although he was letting me lead, he was always there to make sure I stayed on the route. He had my back, was watching out for me the entire time. When we returned to the classroom, he gave me both encouragement and pointers to ride better.
I thought about that today, how much that is like our walk with the Lord. There is some "class time" while we study the Word, then out into the world with the Holy Spirit there to guide and watch over us, politely pointing out when we have strayed off the route God has chosen. Then ending the day with reflection on mistakes made and encouragement on how to grow.
"If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you." John 14:15-17 (NIV)
