blessing of a skinned knee

Last week, I was hanging out with my nephew, who turns 3 in a few months. This kid was whizzing away on his balance bike. 

Whizzing up and down rocks, asphalt, the bike path. And as he was doing this, I kept watch from behind, even as it looked like he was going to lose control of his handlebars and fall. 

Somewhere inside, I trusted that even if he fell, he'd be okay. To see him ride is to see a child learning about freedom and balance (and the necessary act of reclaiming balance!). 

Meanwhile, one of his grandparents was nervous. What if he fell down on the rocky path? I reiterated to stay calm. The kid seemed to be managing just fine. 

Soon my nephew was out of the grandparent's sight. And when they rejoined us they realized, wow, he's really good at this. Naturally, they calmed down. 

It reminded me of a book title, "The Blessing of a Skinned Knee." I haven't read the book. However from a sermon years ago, I remember hearing that the book emphasized that by not shielding our children from life's realities (you will get skinned knees and blisters in life), you teach kids about life and resiliency. Understanding this is crucial to becoming a well adjusted adult. 

I'm awed to see my nephew get into the saddle and ride. I'm in awe of his grandparent for shifting gears and witnessing their grandchild marvel and grow even when nervous.

Someday (and likely soon) my nephew will likely get a scratch or skinned knee while biking. I don't wish it, but it's inevitable. I get bruises and cuts from time to time too (don’t we all), but I hope he finds blessings from those moments and remains as fearless as he is now, exploring the world with a true sense of possibility. 

Wheels up, 

Ellen

PS: I'll be writing to you next in the second week of June!