The Parable of the Bike Ride

During the Summer, Jonathon and the Boy Scouts decided to work on the Cycling Merit Badge. It didn't sound like a bad idea at first, but after a few weeks, I was more than annoyed with the whole process. The Merit Badge required several long rides, including (but not limited to): two 10 mile rides, a 25 mile ride, and a 50 mile ride. Over the course of the Summer, they spent week after week after week riding their bikes for mutual. Not only Wednesday nights, but several Saturdays were also required for the longer rides. The boys had never ridden anywhere near that far, so they had to build up the endurance and stamina to even attempt the 25 or 50 milers. Jonathon's already busy schedule was becoming overloaded because of all the bike rides, and to be honest, I really couldn't see the point (aside from physical exercise) of everything they were doing. In my "bad wife moments" I would whine, "Can't you just ask their parents to take them on these bike rides? Then you wouldn't have to be gone so often."

Fast forward to the end of summer. Nearly four months had passed since they started working on the merit badge. They were finally ready to attempt the big 50 miler. They decided to ride from our area to the Salt Lake Temple. The mileage worked out just about right. Again, I complained, "Are you sure that this is safe? Couldn't you have chosen a less busy route?" Jonathon assured me that they would be on bike trails for most of the way, and that this would be a wonderful experience for the boys. I agreed, but was frustrated that Jonathon would be gone for yet another full Saturday.

They left early in the morning, and finally arrived back home after 8 long hours. It was then that Jonathon told me the whole story. I was blown away by the lessons that Jonathon was able to teach the boys while riding a bicycle. I was also a little bit sheepish that I ever questioned the benefits of doing this merit badge. I should have had more faith in Jonathon and in the process.

This is how he taught the boys a lesson about the temple using the parable of the Bike Ride:

Jonathon started by comparing all of their preparations and final 50 miler bike ride to the temple with our life's journey to get to the temple. Just like the scouts had to train and prepare to complete their bike ride to the temple, all of us must be worthy and prepared to go to the temple. This preparation is different for all of us. Some of the boys were less physically fit at the beginning, and their practice bike rides were harder and took longer. In life, some of us are less spiritually prepared, and our journey to the temple might take longer or be more difficult. We must each go at our own pace with the ultimate goal in mind.

Along our journey to the temple, there might be obstacles to face. At one point on the bike ride, one of the boys crashed his bike. Jonathon compared this to a mistake or obstacle that might hinder our progress toward the temple. Instead of staying on the ground feeling sorry for ourselves, we must get back up, fix the problem (perhaps repent), and keep going.

Finally, after all of our preparations are complete and we have put the work in, we arrive at the temple. The satisfaction and happiness when we finally reach our goal makes all of the efforts worth it. The boys were so proud of themselves when they completed their 50 mile bike ride. They didn't believe that they could do it at the beginning of the summer, but through a lot of perseverance, they achieved their ultimate goal.

Making it to the temple one time is not enough though. If the boys quit exercising and biking, they won't be able to make that bike ride again. They gained the confidence that it could be done, but unless they continually strive for it, getting back will be difficult. If they continually have that goal in mind and do things to achieve it, they can make that ride to the temple as often as they want. The youth today (and all of us) need to understand that our spiritual journey to the temple isn't a one time thing. We must keep ourselves spiritually worthy to re-enter the house of the Lord again and again. It is a lifetime journey with sidetracks and obstacles, but each time we make it to the temple, we can feel the same peace and satisfaction that the temple always brings.

Those boys and leaders accomplished something big. Not only did they gain confidence in themselves and their potential that will benefit them on their missions and throughout their lives, but hopefully, they learned something eternal through "the parable of the bike ride" that will stay with them always.

Now that I see Jonathon's vision, my perspective has completely changed. The Savior taught in parables so that those who were ready would understand. I did not understand at first because my heart was hard and I was thinking only of myself. I now wish every boy could spend months learning and preparing to earn their Cycling Merit Badge so they can complete their own journey to the temple. What a beautiful life lesson taught in the Savior's way.