Monday, February 8, 2010

coming of age-at the cross-roads

When telling stories, we often include dates, but fail to explain how old we were when the event happened. Reading Eric Clapton's autobiography, I found this very fascinating. Between 1963 and 1969, he played with the Yardbirds, John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers, Cream, Blind Faith, and Delaney and Bonnie and Friends. Quite a list of famous groups within seven years, more than the average musician could hope for in his lifetime. But what fascinated me, he was 18 years old in 1963, and a whopping 24 when the decade ended. At an age where most men had still not quite figured out what to do with their lives, Clapton had lived a full career. His peer group included the Beatles, Rolling Stones, and anybody who was anyone in the British rock invasion. And it was time to evaluate my memories again, but from a different perspective. Not to the sixties, but to when I was his age.
When we tell stories from the past, we always envision storyteller to look like he does now, travelling in a world that looks like now-and nothing can be further from the truth. By the time I was 21, in 1975, I had driven in 31 states, 18 on my motorcycle. At age 20, I had moved with my friend Bill from New Jersey to Florida, in January on our motorcycles-him on his 1972 CB750, me on my R60/5 BMW. Compare that to today's BMW and Honda, you will see how much bikes have changed. See the weather in NJ over the weekend-we rode in it! And as I travelled, I developed a peer group unlike the one I left behind. If you have never taken a long trip, you do not know of what I speak of when I tell of southern hospitality, or freezing cold in Biloxi, on the gulf coast. How Florida can take as long as Texas to navigate, or how you somehow go from home fries to grits travelling south of the Mason Dixon Line. And then try to see it through the eyes of a 21 year old, and you realize if you have done these things, you were much older, or much younger-seeing them through your parents eyes or as a parent yourself. Probably through a windshield, hopefully not one on a bike. And I found the peer group I talked with, ones who ride and tour, was where I felt most comfortable. Yeah, I can cruise 20 miles to eat at 45 mph-boring. I can ride a fast sportbike at 130 mph-scary, and I can ride dirt bikes-OUCH! But where I am at home is on the road. And the more I ride, the more passionate I get about the places I have yet to see, and more excited about places I've been. And realize, that to most other riders, I am not part of their peer group. They don't get it. To them, I'm just some old sucker who has spent too many miles in the saddle. But to you young guys, I did this when I was your age. To the older, I still am doing it. But the peer group, as I ride more, gets smaller. And I find life is like that also. Age doesn't have to describe a peer group. Relationships do.
We all know that Jesus was about 33 when he was crucified. And at age 12, when his parents couldn't find him, he was in the temple. And I know strong Christians who can relate to Jesus at age 12-I was 21 when I got saved, and others who waited until they were older, and their testimony starts in their 60's, not in the 60's. And it seems the more we walk with Him, the more intimate we get with Him, and a passion develops-like Clapton's for guitar, and mine for the road, and our peer groups shrink. Church was, well church, now we ask God where to go, as our passion is fueled for more Jesus. We don't want opinion, we want truth! We seek out Bible studies, and actually read the word more-because we can and we want to. But our peer group shrinks, which can seem cruel to those who get left behind as your relationship with Christ grows. And in some ways, you cannot even talk to them, because the depth of your relationship with Jesus is far deeper than they could understand-there just aren't words for it. If you have never seen a New Mexico sunset, there are no words to describe the colors. So they criticize and sometimes think you are weird, and maybe you are-but they are missing out-they are missing a passion that can be fed nowhere else. Although I am passionate about riding-I am more passionate about Jesus. And I find that I get comments like, "he's too opinionated, or narrow minded." And they are wrong-in their ignorance they confuse fact for opinion, and miss the fact the a relationship takes time to develop-you just don't walk into one. Don't tell me about a 500 mile day until you have ridden one-for 24 days straight! Don't expect to be in 30 days where it has taken me 34 years! And so as I find my peer group shrinking, I find myself closer to God. The flow chart gets smaller as you get to the top. Stop and think about your peer group-how does it reflect where you are in Jesus? You might find out why your growth has been stunted or why you are still growing. It's all about Jesus-keep it that way.
A sad note about Eric Clapton-throughout all his successes, and even graffiti declaring "Clapton is God!" he never enjoyed a fulfillment in his music-he had not been able to play what he wanted-or desired deep in his heart. And I find that although it took me another 32 years to ride in all 48 contiguous states, once I had done it, without Jesus something would have been missing. And I find that without the passion for Him guiding my life, it is empty. You see 500 mile days, back roads, great food, and good friends are a good thing, blessings-but nothing can compare to knowing Jesus. He fulfills dreams I didn't know I had, and with people who I can be myself in Christ with-and grow in His grace while enjoying my life. It wasn't the groups Clapton played with that made him famous-it was his playing. He made them famous. And it wasn't the bikes I rode on in 48 states that made me an experienced touring rider-it was the road I was on. And if you are not on the same road as Jesus, or travelling alone-don't expect to fulfill that passion. And if you ever get to a peer group of one-just you and Jesus-let me know-I have only about a 1000 questions to ask you-during rest stops while riding, of course. That is the ultimate road trip to me.
Clapton's initial successes laid groundwork for a long and successful, still growing career-for me there are more roads to ride. And Jesus-that's why He gives us eternity, so we can get to know Him fully.
It's not the years, or even the years old. It's all about Jesus. Who has no peer, but invites you into his group anyway. I invite you to meet him today.
And if you want to tour on your motorcycle, give me a call. Let's talk. About Jesus.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com