“Where do you what to meet up for lunch?”
“Can I pick you up on the bike? If so, we will head to Little India for a dosa and more.”
“Yes!”
He had ridden with me before however I would still consider him a novice pillion rider. As relatively light at he is, his weight and movement makes a difference when we ride.
“What should I do when I am on the back?”
“Good question. Thanks for asking! I suggest you keep your butt very still. Sit straight up or right behind me. You do not need to help lean.”
“Is that all?”
I have learned that it is always a good idea to remind pillion riders of the fundamentals. One should never assume! A simple conversation, open, candid, and with an attitude of mutual sharing, is always a good thing. Even small individuals will impact the ride.
As we rode through traffic, I felt a subtle shift of the weight. Even as I controlled the bike, we shifted a bit closer to the car on the right. When we cleared the traffic, I turned so he could hear me clearly.
“Did you feel our weave in the middle of traffic when we came close to the blue Mercedes?”
“Yes!”
“That was you. It is ok; you just shifted your seating position.”
“Wow. Is there anything else I should do?”
As the conversation replays in my mind, Life reminds me that it is a question I should always ask myself. Every moment is an opportunity to be intentional. Sometimes it is by being still, very still as if I am a pillion rider. On other occasions I can follow instructions; “So here’s what I want you to do. When you gather for worship, each one of you be prepared with something that will be useful for all: Sing a hymn, teach a lesson, tell a story, lead a prayer, provide an insight.” (1 Corinthians 14.26) In every situation there is a role to play.
“Yes, please make sure you hold on! Grab me if you need.”
