It has been almost 20 years, but the lessons learned that day still remind me of why I don't camp-or boat. And why I prefer two wheels to four wheels, or no wheels and a keel. A couple from the church we attended invited us to go to the river with them. Looking to meet other couples-they had two kids like us, we decided to accept their invitation to a weekend at the river. They had all the camping equipment, and a boat, and Theresa jumped at the idea of water skiing. So we packed what we needed, and I would ride out and meet them after work. Theresa and the boys would ride out in their van, and even I was excited. At least I got to ride.
I arrived just as it was getting dark, and was starved. Grilled anything sounded good, and I could smell the fish, burgers, and chicken grilling as I looked for our campsite. Unfortunately, this was the best part of the night-looking. Robert had parked his van so that it was on a hill, but left it in neutral, why no one knows, and it had rolled into a neighboring camper. The scooters they brought-locked onto the front of the camper, were there to stay-he forgot the key to the lock to remove them. The campsite was good for them, they were in the camper. But they had pitched the tent-our torture chamber on gravel. Well, that's unfair to gravel. It was pieces of sidewalk that had been jack hammered. Gravel would have been deluxe accommodations. And of course starving, I asked what was for dinner. Sandwiches. Huh? After all the aromatic temptations before me, after 200 miles of riding starved with visions of BBQ dancing in my head, I was given a bologna sandwich-on white. And some disgusting chips.
At least there would be S'mores-I could eat the graham crackers. As Theresa's favorite three course meal, chocolate, marshmallow, and graham cracker, she was starved too. And the kids were anxious, and then disappointed when we each were handed a 1/4 piece of a S'more. Not enough to even leave a taste in my mouth. So with a headache from hunger, miles from a 7-11, and listening to my family grumble-we went to bed early-tired enough that at least for a couple hours sleeping on the broken sidewalk chips didn't matter. Did I mention, no munchies, they also were in charge of food!
Up early the next day, on the water by 6am, we headed for breakfast. In their boat. Now I don't do water, so I asked what do you want me to do? Sit in the back, so I did. Raising the nose of the boat, but hey I was obeying orders. We stopped for breakfast-diner not open yet, so ate cupcakes, and Twinkies. Then back to the boat, where I resumed my position at the rear. Robert opened up the throttle and nothing happened-high rpms, but no movement. And sadly, it only occurred to me that I was the problem. We were stuck on a sandbar, and I was like an anchor-dead weight keeping us from moving. So while Robert is diagnosing the problem with the motor of the boat, and while my family is wondering when the torture will end, I silently sat up, and moved forward. At which point, the boat shot forward under full throttle, knocking everyone down, and sending my breakfast over the edge. I seriously considered mutiny, but my headache was so great, I got on my bike and rode home. Theresa and the boys stuck due to no transportation, but somehow got home that night.
Lessons learned. Don't ride with someone else-take your own car. Also, there are side effects to all actions. Just like the warnings on the drug commercials, there are side effect to your actions. We all meant well, just that stupid is not the way to travel, or camp, or boat, or.... And God knows this. So He set it up easy for us, or at least me. When in the spirit, you receive love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, long suffering, meekness, and self control as fruits of your labors. Stuck in the situation we never should have been in we experienced just the opposite. Bitterness, anger, stupidity, rudeness, long suffering-how did that get onto both lists?, selfishness, and being out of control. The side effects that can sometimes be more dangerous than the effects themselves. For we instantly learned why no one went camping with them for a second time, they had even commented on that, but they had no clue.
Today in your daily events, consider the other guy, and how your decisions will impact them. Do they reflect the fruit of the spirit, or are they rooted in selfishness? Do you obey God, or your desires? Are you still getting the same results because you are doing the same thing? The definition of insanity is doing the same thing, but expecting different results. The fruit you bear will influence others-be mindful of that. And be patient with others who don't get it. Remember Luke 3:8, produce fruit in keeping with repentance-good word for that day! And any day!
As for me and my family-we will ride motorcycles. Eat when and where we want. That is why we travel alone. And hopefully avoid my second trip to the river. Today you will bear fruit, by choosing the correct vine you will be assured the best of the crop. Jesus is that vine, and when we are wrapped into Him, we produce good fruit. And good fruit will produce more good fruit. Consider the other guy, as God considers you. Just might change the whole day-or at least the plans for it. Take note-the side effects may be right in front of you after all. And I think I understand long suffering-and why it is on both lists...
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com