Do you remember the first time you rode a bike? I sure do. My parents took me across the street to an empty school parking lot, plopped me on my brand new bike, and encouraged me to pedal. It was smooth black pavement, ideal for a first lesson in bike riding. As I moved forward and began to pedal I had a new found confidence that I was positively the most excellent bike rider. It wasn't until 100 feet later, that I found myself veering towards a line of parked vehicles, that I realized I was missing some vital information: how to steer. With little effort to brake I collided with a parked car. I'm sure there were tears and possibly a scuffed knee, however it was a valuable lesson that I can recount with some clarity. And because of that fall, I became a better bike rider.
I feel like we as a local community, as a state and as a nation are all learning to ride a bike. We all just landed in the deep end of the learning pool together. Perhaps some will be naturals and easily step into leadership. Others will require a helmet and knee pads to feel comfortable as they test the waters. More importantly, everyone will take a tumble. Everyone will have to navigate lesson after lesson to become proficient and confident bike riders.
“It is the unknown around the corner that turns my wheels”
– Heinz Stucke
If we all keep the same goal of "riding" through what's happening now and what's yet to come, we will be successful.
Successful
at reclaiming a strong business economy.
Successful
at engaging our fellow neighbor and assuring everyone is OK.
Successful
at
educating our youth, not just in reading writing and arithmetic, but how to treat others with the respect they deserve and value everyone!
DISCLAIMER
: The path to sustainable success will be met with failure. Get ready to tumble. Get ready for the scrapped knees. But remember that the bumps in the road help us learn and grow and be better bike riders. At the end of the day hold tight to your learned confidence and your spirit of boldness, because if you (we) keep moving forward, we will find
balance
and long-term success.
The Elkhorn Chamber
Submitted by Kate Abbe
