Living In Tandem

On a recent vacation to Michigan, as my hubby, Pete and I pedaled 8.2 miles around Route 185 on Mackinac Island on a tandem bike, I was struck by the symbolism it brought into focus. We purposefully chose tandem biking that day because I had not been feeling well and had been in a lot of pain (ending with a trip to the ER later that night, but that’s a whole other story!). Pete wanted to make sure I could make it the whole way without too much strain. The guy who rented us the bike warned us that riding tandem would be more difficult on the lead driver, but my husband willingly accepted the sacrificial task.

What we have come to realize is that Pete and I have lived the majority of our married life “in tandem.” Sometimes he drives, sometimes I do. But all-in-all we both keep pumping and helping each other with goals, responsibilities and fun. We don’t tend to go our separate ways – even when a personal goal has little to do with the other. We just find a way to be of help and encouragement. This has occurred across the board in areas big and small like cooking, laundry, cleaning, parenting, and ministry.

We have also had plenty of times where we were focused on specific joint goals and realized we’d get there more efficiently if we pooled our efforts and maximized our energy. On a tandem bike, you have to trust the other person and have the same general goals. Otherwise, you will work against each other and get nowhere!

The bigger metaphor of tandem living reveals a glimpse into a vibrant spiritual life. At first, inviting Jesus on your journey may keep you in the drivers’ seat most of the time. He is willing to come along – and He helps. But without letting Him have full control, it leaves you vulnerable to making potentially dangerous or time-wasting choices. The real surrender comes when we put Jesus in the front and let Him drive. Let me tell you, there is such freedom in the back seat! No, you can’t see what is directly in front of you, but you do get to enjoy the peripheral scenery along the way. It actually saves you from seeing many potential dangers. You can just sit back and let Him navigate what’s ahead. He may speed up or slow down at times, and you have no clear idea why. However, you can be sure that he is making speed changes that are in your best interest. Now that’s a test of trust, but it can also be very exhilarating and freeing!

Riding in the back does not exempt you from working. We are not just along for the ride. God asks us to focus our effort on the tasks he is placing before us. If we don’t join in, it throws the bike off-balance, slows the process, and divides the goal. Bottom line is, you will not get where you say you want to go or where God wants you to go without obeying and joining in. You will work harder and be more frustrated in the process. This is often where people start to blame God for their lack of growth or for unfulfilled dreams. However, our lack of partnership in the process hinders our ability to get there. Jesus will not just go without you. He could. But what He wants is your surrender to join in; to be a part of the journey; to discover new ideas and scenery along the way. As a bonus, you get to enjoy each other’s company as you travel the road together. Isn’t that what being a tandem is all about? A relationship, a partnership.

When you find a good rhythm on that bike and realize the leader can be trusted with control, you can take your hands off the bars and just relax. Oh, you have to keep pumping, but you don’t have to keep worrying. Your hearts and bodies are connected in a joint pattern.

You are not voiceless on the back of a tandem bike. Nor are you voiceless in a relationship with God. He wants you to converse with Him. He is listening and will reveal clues and understanding along the way. He hears when you need a break or the strife is too much, making adjustments according to what is best for you. In fact, He is usually the one who is already scoping out the best rest stops, scenic overlooks, and sources of sustenance. So, when you call out that you need or desire one of those, He knows just the spot. He may ask you to give a little more so He can stretch you or get you to the best place – not just to one that will do. Trust Him. He does not resent being the lead driver. In fact, He revels in it. He requires it. He sacrificed all of himself for it.

On our 8.2-mile journey that day, I mostly saw the back of Pete’s head. Sometimes a side view when he turned to make a comment.  We could hear each other and communicate back and forth, but during our stops and at the end of the ride, I could look fully into the face of the one I trusted. I saw just as much pleasure on his face as I felt on mine! It was a bonding experience that prepared the way for celebration!

My desire is to be content when all I can see is Jesus’ back. I can trust him. I can enjoy the scenery and the journey. I can know there will be sweet celebrations along the way but can look forward to when I reach the finish line and look fully into His face!

Psalm 143:8 (NIV) “Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you.
Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.”

1 Corinthians 13:12b (NIV) “For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.”

Psalm 121:8 (NIV) “The Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.”

STEERING OUR THOUGHTS…

• What is scary to you about riding on the back of a tandem bicycle?
  
• Living in tandem is another way of saying you are “in sync” with another (it doesn’t have to be a spouse!). What are some ways you live in tandem with your spouse? With others?  What seems to consistently be “out of sync” in your significant relationships? Is there anything that comes to mind that you could change or adjust to be more “in sync?”

• Maybe you don’t sense that you are in tandem with God at this point in your relationship. How would you describe your relationship with God? Do you get a particular vision or metaphor in your mind when you think about how you relate to God or how you perceive that He relates to you? Do you feel there are any barriers that keep you from living in tandem with God? Would you consider asking God to reveal Truth to you that would diminish the barriers? How would you like your relationship with God to be different a year from now? 5 years from now?