The Bicycle And Faith In The Future

When their son asked for a bicycle, the parents had two different reactions: the father, optimistic, thought of a future where his son could help the family, while the mother, pessimistic, worried about traffic accidents.

In a small, cozy kitchen, a ten-year-old boy with bright, sparkling eyes eagerly placed his newly bought helmet on the table. He ran around in circles, chattering excitedly:

"Dad, Mom! I've learned how to ride a bike! Can I borrow your old bicycle? I promise I'll be very careful!"

The father looked at his son, his eyes shining with hope. He thought of the future, of the days when the boy would be older, able to take his mother to the market, help his father with household chores, and manage life's demands. He smiled and nodded:

"Of course, my son. I can see you've grown up and learned to practice diligently. This is a good sign. One day you will be a man, a pillar of the family, helping us in many ways."

The father's optimistic attitude was rooted in his faith in his child's growth and potential. He saw the light at the end of the tunnel, recognizing the long-term benefits of learning a new skill.

Instantly, the mother turned pale. Her hands trembled as she picked up the dishcloth, tears welling up. She looked at her son, then out at the busy road beyond, as dark imaginings flooded her mind:

"Oh heavens, don't let him go! He's only ten, not mature enough. The streets are full of traffic. What if he gets hit? What if there's an accident? I've raised him for ten years, given him food and clothing all this time. If I lost him, how could I go on living? I'm so afraid. I can't even bear to think of the consequences."

The mother wept, holding her son tightly, refusing to let him touch the bicycle. Her pessimism arose from the fear of loss, from exaggerating risks that had not yet happened. She saw only darkness covering the future, which made the present feel suffocating and full of suffering.

Caught between these two extremes, the family reached an impasse. The boy stood in the middle, confused, unable to understand why his simple joy had become the source of an argument. Finally, the father gently persuaded his wife:

"My dear, if we keep worrying like this, our son will never learn the lessons of responsibility and skill. We can supervise him, teach him the rules of the road, but we cannot keep him in a glass cage forever. Have faith in our son, and have faith in our ability to guide him."

The mother reflected. She realized that extreme pessimism would not protect her child; it would only rob him of the chance to grow. She agreed to let him practice riding under close supervision, but with a heart less burdened by anxiety. The boy was overjoyed, and from then on, every time he rode his bike, he remembered his parents' words, becoming more careful and responsible.

## The Meaning of the Story

This story shows the impact of optimistic and pessimistic thinking in raising children and facing life's risks. Optimism helps us see potential, hope, and the motivation to move forward, though it still requires caution. Pessimism paralyzes us with anxiety and can take away opportunities for growth. The Teacher emphasized: We need optimism in order to live, for if everyone thought only of the worst, life would become gloomy and no one could live happily. However, optimism does not mean blindness. It means trusting in what is good and being willing to face challenges with a positive spirit.

Compiled from a dharma talk by Venerable Thích Chân Quang