The most effective, best fuel gauge ever invented for motorcycles is the petcock. This simple, non-electric device has worked for years, providing riders the need to know when to get gas. Before they run out. A simple, three position-on/off/reserve, serves to let you know that you need to get gas soon, when you go on reserve. And for the rookies, to turn it on, when you are starting the bike. We watched recently as a rookie pulled out of the dealership on his new bike, blipping the throttle to tell us how cool he was, and then stalling as he left the light-turn the petcock on! But when in the hands of anyone else-it works. Unless, as my favorite riding partner once did, when not sure how much gas she had, turned to what she thought was reserve-she was already on it, and ran out of gas-even though she had some left on reserve. Proving once again the importance of a sequence.
And I have run out with electric gauges, once showing 193 miles to empty, and another showing 15 miles to empty. And both times, fellow bikers have come to the rescue. The last ride I had on a Ducati was when I was stuck on the side of I-15, and after watching two police cars go by, one even slowed down so I could see his "to protect and serve..."logo, which I interpret as "to neglect and swerve," the Duke rider stops, puts me on my back-which convinced me the only reason they put a vinyl cover on the seat was so in case of rain it wouldn't rust, and took me to Target, bought me a gas can, and then filled it. And wouldn't take any money. Taking a half hour out of his life to rescue me. The brotherhood of bikers. Maybe the police should take note. Are you?
Another time two guys with dirt bikes in the back of their pickup stopped, and gave us the last of their expensive racing gas. "Glad to help," they said, then followed us to the nearest gas station, just to make sure we were OK. And we never got their names. For bikers know to take care of one another, a brotherhood, and we have even been known to stop and assist cars. When is the last time a car stopped for you?
Ecclesiastes tells us to cast our bread upon the waters. To give generously, more than the need represents. And to give, to take a chance, when others won't. I call it not stepping over the Lazarus got has put in front of you, and we are all guilty of it. Gas when you need it, and either from a sense to serve, or out of your abundance. Meet the need. Whether a hug, a phone call, buying someone a burger, or taking them to get gas-take the time. Don't let the brotherhood of bikers goodwill to others remain with them, if we are Christians, and have told someone we are-they expect us to act like one. And this one simple action may show more Jesus to them than reciting any scriptures or preaching to them. Jesus tells us we were given to freely,and we ought to respond by giving freely. You may not be stuck yet, but I can promise you, some day you might. And a biker may not be around. Trust God, He is always around, and uses people like us to minister. Today, let yourself be that person God uses to bless someone.
Keep things simple like the petcock. Off when resting, on when going, and keeping some in reserve for others. Live the scripture, rather than quoting it. Take a chance today and reach out to someone in need. What seems like a simple or wasteful expenditure to you, can be valuable to someone else. And take joy in the fact that God is always watching, and takes great joy in seeing you show His love through your actions.
Bikers, petcocks, and the gospel are very simple. Keep your life that way. In Christ!
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com