Bicycles, Puzzles, and Age

“Ohhh, Jeremy! I can’t even get my bicycle out of this spot, yet you seem to circle around the house and come back to find me in the same place. I hate this! Why can’t I ride this bicycle yet, even though I am older than you?” Paul said with great frustration.

Jeremy stopped, leaned his bicycle against the wall, and walked toward his older brother.

"I am sorry, Paul. I also don’t know why it’s easy for me, and it makes me sad that it’s hard for you, because I would love for you to ride along with me.”

Their mother, who had been watching them through the window, asked them to take a break and come inside.

“Boys, I noticed you had a difficult situation while playing outside,” she started. “Paul, it is okay for Jeremy to be able to ride the bicycle better than you. Being older doesn't mean you should know everything. Sometimes your younger brother will be better than you at some things; that is because we are all gifted with different abilities, and they are not tied to our age.”

The boys listened to their mother attentively.

“The best we can do is try to learn from each other and support one another in our strong areas. Paul, while Jeremy is very good at riding the bicycle, you are also very good at solving puzzles.”

The boys both looked at each other in agreement.

“That is very true, Mum! Paul always puts together the puzzle pieces so quickly. I wish I could do it like him,” said Jeremy.

A smile started to form on Paul’s lips, realizing that there was something he was good at. His mother’s words had opened him to the realization that he wasn't a failure just because his younger brother was riding the bicycle better than him.

As their mother ended the conversation, Paul asked Jeremy to help him learn to ride the bicycle as well as he did. Jeremy eagerly accepted the chance to help his older brother.

“Thanks, Mum!” they both said as they ran out to find their bicycles and ride again.

The End.