I have a bike hung up in our garage. It is an old Schwinn bike and my dad and I decorated it just the way that I wanted it when I was a little girl. To me, it’s priceless. It’s like a childhood artifact, etched with memories of a time long ago. One filled with joy at how much my dad wanted to give me the perfect bike. Especially being that we didn’t have a lot of money. Though he wanted to give me the best bike that he could. So, him and I fixed it up, making it truly one of a kind. Of course, it was filled with character with its vintage 1960s style banana seat. I felt pretty special riding my bike down my road. For it was uniquely mine, and a gift from my dad. See, my dad worked a lot of long hours growing up. I don’t have a ton of memories like this with him. I don’t just hang onto this bike because it’s so cool. It is more than that. It is a memory I can physically touch still, during a time where my dad was unable to be as present as I am sure he wanted to be. As parents, we do the best that we know how. We try to give our kids the best that we are able. This bike is a like a symbol of love from my dad. From a time, we can no longer touch. Friend, I share this with you because I know as parents it is a tremendous gift, just being one. I know this especially, as I am one. God blesses us with our children and we do our best with them. Sometimes we wonder if it’s good enough. Though, if we are raising them as God has called us to, I am sure we’re doing good. We will mess up and make mistakes, as we are human. However, we must not underestimate the impact we have on our children’s lives. May we walk with God, as we walk alongside our children; nurturing them, caring for them, loving them. It has been many years since I have pedaled that bike. I am not sure that it will fit me as well as it did when I was much smaller. My dad made mistakes as a parent, but who doesn’t. I have something special hung up in my garage. This bike forever on display, like a trophy of my father’s love.

Erin Fitts-Brower

Bike on display

Psalm 127:3 NIV

Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.