US 6 in the Keystone State proved to me once again that you can turn a boring 280 mile freeway ride into an almost 500 mile trip of joy when on a motorcycle. And be glad that you did. For where the Interstate Highway System smoothes out hills, and eliminates curves, Route 6 follows the contour of the countryside, which means bridges over rivers, many altitude changes, and enough curves to keep any sport bike rider happy. Add to that very little traffic, at least during the week, picturesque small towns, old diners, and you can take your time, and miss the stress of the freeways. And see some beautiful countryside along the way.
Pulling into Wellsboro, Pennsylvania, we were enamored by the charm of the town. Even an old train car, which is now the Wellsboro Diner, made us hungry-we were already thirsty. But the full seats viewed through the windows made us ride on, the road called. Until we noticed a huge mural painted on a building across the street. "PA. Grand Canyon-10 miles west." Here was something I had never heard of, and so with Theresa's fascination with Grand Canyon, we were off.
PA.'s Grand Canyon is really Leonard Harrison State Park, built back in the thirties by the CCC over an eight year period. And the ten mile ride to get there takes you through Wellsboro, and a view of the 150 year old houses with their immaculate grounds, through farm land, then finally into the forest and state park. Where two things greet bikers-one parking for motorcycles only, and second-no entry fees. Had time stopped for me, or had I gone back almost 70 years? Clean, immaculate, and with many trails to hike-some other time, the views are awesome. The air so clean, as it is at 1833 feet, one of the highest points in the state. And with a gift store-we collect magnets, and one worker telling us about a short cut going west, this short excursion made the day that much brighter. By going just 10 miles out of our way, which when riding means along the way. For oft times it is the things we experience along the way that are more pleasing than the destination. Something any traveler, or biker can tell you, it is that the ride is really the destination. A good Samaritan in the form of a sign, reminding us not to be in such a rush. And just another reason that Pennsylvania is one of my favorite states to ride in.
By contrast, there are places you wish to get through as fast as possible. One is western Kansas, out on the plains. Pretty country, but nothing out there, except for the small towns with only a store to show at the intersection of two highways. And one stop stands out, as along US 54 there is not much more than cows and country. The only building in the area was an old gas station, turned into a restaurant, C-store, and info center, so popular along these roads. The only person there was a woman, who I can't get out of my mind. A shut in of sorts, as the only company she has is the occasional traveler, and not many of them. Her travel history based on stories of those passing through. And I think of all the beauty, and places, and people to see, and I felt bad for her stuck there. A choice she may not have made if she knew the consequences when she made it. And her whole outside world based on what she sees on TV, never knowing more than what the program had to offer.
And I contrasted that with both Grand Canyons, destinations for a vacation or a ride. And thought of how no one goes to see her as a destination. She is just a non-descript stop on the way to somewhere. A forgotten place, with a forgotten woman. And I still thank God for how He has blessed me in my travels. But still can't get her out of my mind.
Life without Jesus Christ can be like this stop along the road. A non-descript location, with no hope, and not realizing there is a way out. Life without existence, or is it the other way around? Being trapped into a mindset that it is the same everywhere, so why leave. Why trust God, all churches are the same. All people are hypocrites. I'll just stay here, miserable until I die. God doesn't care, and all religion is worthless. Sad. Definitely not life as I would want it, or as God has planned for us.
His plans include a hope and a future, plans that go beyond anything asked for or even imagined. Plans that only with Him you can accomplish, and places and people to go and meet that He has already arranged for you. Just to bless you. For instance, it reminds me of stopping for a root beer on a 100 degree day in Hunterdon county, NJ. On old 22, the Stewart's stand there long before I was, and sitting along with Theresa drinking cold root beer. When a man sees the bike, and wanders over to talk. And how his face lights up when we tell him how we travelled through the south, and how he beams when we mention Wytheville, pronouncing it correctly-Withville, and how it made his day as he grew up there. And how he would love to move to Savannah. And how God allowed this meeting, just to bless us all. No sermons, no scripture, just a loving God who wants to see His children blessed. And we thank Him. This man once just a stranger, now a friend, and we never did exchange names.
Your life will take you many places. Only in God will you see the peaks and valleys-both great places to visit. But you can also get to see life without Him, alone, deserted by a life choice you make. So the choice is up to you. So many roads, so little time, but such a great and awesome God. May all your canyons be grand, may there be ample places to park your bike, and may the root beer be cold and refreshing. Just like a relationship with God.
Is it any wonder that Jesus spent most of His time on the road? And that He sent his disciples out on them? Maybe, just maybe, there is something to life on the road. I am assured there is with Jesus. I only hope that the woman in Kansas finds out someday soon. Don't wait. Don't you fall into the same trap. Make the choice to travel with Jesus today.
love with compassion,
Mike
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