A frind from New Jersey asked, "how long does it take fr you to ride from California to here?" And when I told him I had done it in less than 70 hours, he couldn't believe it, but was excited too know more. And I could see him as his mind visioned 100mph for days on end-and that I should be on some freak show to tell my story-as the audience goes "That's Impossible!" Or maybe just so he could tell his friends he knows someone who did it. Of course, I am sure he used all the right adjectives as nuts, crazy affectionately of course and that he would never do that. Of course his shoes with velcro instead of laces should have given him away. Making the event bigger than life, when really it was no big deal when you break it down. Do the math, 3000 miles @ 75mph is only 40 hours of riding time, divided by 3 days and that is less than 14 hours a day-no big deal. Because that is all it took. Even including the extra stop at Jimmies for my four hot dog intake. And when compared to flying, I saw more country, wasn't stuck in an uncomfortable seat, and wasn't subjected to any search, while keeping my shoes on until I wanted to take them off. Think of it as a three day weekend, and maybe you get it. But my friend still shakes his head, and I do too-at him.
As I get older life seems to get faster, as I get slower. And maybe that is the truth in it-I get slower. But like in riding, I have gotten more consistent. Again, an example. Ride 75 miles in one hour. Then stop for a 15 minute break, and now you are averaging 60 mph. Do that consistently and your 14 hour ride turns into a 17 hour ride-just by riding inconsistent. Still don't get it, while I'm out the door by 8, and in bed at 10, you miss the late news, the Tonite Show, and fall asleep the next day. I got two extra hours of rest. Ten minutes may not sound like much, but at the end of the day it can speak volumes. Ask any mom, she'll gladly take the extra two hours of sleep.
And consistency doesn't mean rushing either. It means riding steady. Like in racing, going less slow in the slow sections, and going faster in the fast ones. New Mexico and Arizona post 75mph speed limits, and everyone goes at least 85! But in Pennsylvania it is only 65, where everyone goes 75, stay consistent! Do we see a theme here?
But yet just like on our rides, we hurry through life, missing many blessings. A theme of many I know or even ride with is hurry up and wait. We hurry to lunch to wait for a seat. We get up early to beat the crowd at the gas station, just like everyone else who got up early to beat the rush. Only at church do I find people not rushing, but walking in 10-15 minutes late. To you guys, I wish you would. But we fail to get a basic premise, or see a personality quality of Jesus. We all remember Him walking on water, feeding five thousand, and being arrested in the Garden. But although it is never stated, the fact is Jesus never hurried. He was never late, never early-He was always on time! Ten thirty meant ten thirty to him-not whenever! And even when the sisters of Lazarus complained to Him "why did it take you so long to rescue our brother?" He was on time, just as He explained. A lesson that we should take to heart. A change of heart before an attack of the heart occurs. Then you'll have lots of time-to wait.
So don't rush to church, get there on time. We all know who you late ones are, and really wish you would arrive on time so you don't interrupt, and step on my toes when you do. And don't rush after church either. Be nice at the market-someone's toes you stepped on may be in front of you. Think about it-no better, pray about it. Then do it!
Not all trips are long journeys, only by hurrying can you turn them into one. I get certain blessings that no other long distance riders get-spending time with Jesus. With no interruptions! No phones, texts, or faxes. No instant messaging either! I am free to be alone if I want, or alone with Jesus. And it is my choice-so I do both! Because I am in no hurry. Maybe the old adage about the hurrieder I go the behinder I get is true. And I don't ever wear a watch? Is that why I am seldom late?
Jesus rides at your pace. Do you ride at his? Again simple math. I ride 65mph, you ride 63. At the end of an hour I am only two miles ahead of you. "Hey-how'd you get there so fast?" To which I reply, "how'd you get here so slow?"
No matter your pace, ride the one Jesus sets up for you. Don't try to outlast, or outride Him. Ain't gonna happen. Ride with Him, and enjoy the ride. Let the most consistent thing in your life be Jesus. And watch as you always arrive on time, and your destination is really the ride with Him.
Of course, if you don't ride you may not get this-maybe this is a good time to ask Jesus into your life. For like the t-shirt says, "if you have to ask, you wouldn't understand." And that may have been the part you missed when you got to church late!
All because a guy from Jersey who rides asked a question. Next time, the difference between waiting and delaying.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot