In 1967 my father went with the Boy Scouts to Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimarron, New Mexico. He was gone for a month, and this put my mother in charge. She did a great job, and my father had a great trip. I was 13. So did I. It made a huge impact on me, so much that when I took off a month myself in 1975, I used part of his trip for my initial route, seeing for myself things he had shown in the pictures. While talking with them on the last trip, he told us how lucky Theresa and I are to travel together. Admitting, "the sad part of his trip was my mother wasn't with him." He missed her on the trip-which they both knew she couldn't go on, but afterwards he had no one to share it with except the scouts who accompanied him. Who he only saw once a month. And even when sharing the pictures he took, they were his memories, not ours. And the pictures couldn't describe the light, clean air at 11,000 feet. Or the smell of pines and the wildflowers. It is true that one picture may be worth a thousand words, but leaves a void when all the senses are required for the whole story to be told. Including the sense of love and companionship of the heart.
Since our other bikes had sat for over a month, we rode up to see the guys at ECC. Herm, the service manager and I got to talking, and he is going with his wife to the Western Slope of Colorado to mountain bike this month-real Colorado, Denver doesn't count. And he was talking of how the rains cooled everything off in the afternoons of August, and the sweet smells afterward. And I agreed, for having lived at 8300' in the middle of a national forest above Durango, I knew that rain, and those smells. And how everything seemed new after even a short shower. I also knew the sounds of the thunder rolling up the canyon-for 18 miles, and how good it sounded. Emotions and a sensory overload not found in any pictures. And he was enjoying sharing this with someone who knew-had been there, and appreciated it. Oh how I wish I could have two more weeks off to go with him!
Sadly traveling without the one you love can be a lonely ride. No one to share the events with, only like and as to describe them, and then that is a poor excuse. You can't feel the hot ocean water in Tybee Island. Or hear the Southern drawl of the locals. Or smell the subs at Dukes, or explain what it is like riding in the rain, with only a rain suit on. And the isolation of dryness you feel inside, why all hell can be breaking loose outside. That is why I am so blessed to have a great travel partner, best friend, and wife with me. I may have ridden 8800 miles this trip, but so did she. She felt the heat in Oklahoma, and the rain in Mississippi. She enjoyed Savannah with me, and even shared her beignets. And although she has taken thousands of pictures on our trips, without her they are just that-pictures. For without someone to share them with, they lack a depth, a personality, and leave you without words to fully explain them to your audience. No ones face lights up like hers when you mention the beignets at Huey's. Or the taste of a Jimmie's hot dog-which any mention or picture of only makes me want four-I've been there! And like the pulled pork at Arthur Bryant's, you have to try it to believe it. Life can be that personal. And that's the way I like it.
I have many friends who are Bible students. They know all the kings, the battles, have memorized key scriptures,and can recall them all on demand. Like when I tried to find the book of Ruth in the Bible yesterday, I had to sing an old Bible song to remember where she is. But when we sit and share testimonies, they come up dry. Or ask "why does God bless you so much?" Simple-I know the author-personally. They may know the book, but knowing the author makes all the difference. And He rides, and travels with us. And is part of my daily life, not just the trips. Or when it is convenient or I have gotten in trouble-again. He is more than a character in a book, or letters spoken in red. He is alive, and part of my life, for Jesus is the main thing to me. When I say He is all, I mean ALL! And my testimony shares that fact, I hope. Don't be confused by the non-trinity of Father, Son, and the Word. Only when the Holy Spirit is included, will the Word come alive. And only when living in the Spirit, will your life be sweeter, and He is also there when you are alone, to share you trips, trials, victories, and problems with. You are never alone with Jesus.
So get to know Him. Ask Him to be with you before you pick up the Bible. Tell Him you want more than you are getting-you want HIM! And then open your heart, and hang on for the ride of your life. Those who do this, know what I mean. If you don't-you need too.
Travelling is personal to me, but I love to share it. God has made it personal enough to give me Theresa to share it with. But He takes it personal, and wants to go with me. And ever since I have invited Him into my life, He has added life to it. Life you can't see in a photo, or even hear in my stories. He is that personal, and is just waiting to share some time with you.
Jesus Christ changes life. On this trip of life take along this favorite travel partner. There is a reason He tells us to go out, because He too loves to travel, and not be kept in a box. Travel with Him. The road to God may be straight and narrow-only so that it is the shortest way to Him, but getting there the way He guides adds miles of memories, and uses up more of the endless supply of 35mm film our lives come with.
He is not only the only way to heaven, but the best way too. Think of the Spirit guiding you as taking the long way home, a great ride at the end of a long day.
Taste, feel, touch, smell, and see. The book is great, now take the trip with the author. And let us know about the trip-we are waiting to hear-and see the pictures! This time make it personal. Only in Christ.
love with compassion,
Mike
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