A Bicycle, A Puppy, An Elephant, And My Long Lost Cousin Clay


I took my bicycle to a bike shop for repair. It was a cool little local shop that does tune ups. A tune up for a bike includes adjusting breaks and gears, lubricating everything, and replacing the spark plugs and distributor cap. (I added the last two).

The gentleman at the shop was friendly and had a 12 week old puppy at the shop. You know what it’s like when you see a puppy? You start smiling and making baby sounds, and just can’t believe how adorable this tiny dog is. I read this week that scientists who study elephants, “elephantoligists,” 🤔 say that when an elephant sees a person their brain has the same reaction a human brain does when it sees a puppy. I guess they think we’re adorable.

Anyway, back to the bike shop. Since the guy at the shop and I both had dogs and bikes I thought we could be best buds. Then he asked me my name. When I answered, James Williams, he replied, “Oh, my name is Clay Williams.” Now when your last name is Williams you encounter people with your same last name about 24-26 times per day. It’s not much of a connection. Nonetheless, I responded with, “We’re probably cousins.”

Rather than a courtesy chuckle I was met with inquiries about my grandparents. Where did they grow up, what country were they from etc. This was pretty unexpected, but I still answered his questions. Then he offered his conclusion. “We’re probably not cousins.”

He thought I was serious.

Clay doesn’t really get me. Now in all fairness he just met me, but still. Like Clay not everyone will get you either. And that’s ok. Some people won’t really click with you. You have different interests, like different things, and have different senses of humor. But if you ever think God doesn’t understand you that’s not the case.

“You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely.” Psalm 139:1-4

God understands you. He knows what makes you tick. He gets your jokes. And he loves you with an everlasting love.

I Saw Clay when I picked up my bicycle, and felt a little awkward. I avoided making anymore jokes about being related. Unfortunately his puppy wasn’t at the shop for my second visit. If it had been I would of felt happy when I saw it. I cant remember the last time I was seen by an elephant, but I am sure he thought I was adorable. And God sees all of us. He understands us. He loves us. Let’s love him back.

Following the Son,

James A Williams

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