Monday, May 21, 2012

the attitude of the ride






My first boss when we moved to So Cal, was Gary. He was raised in Garden Grove, which he referred to as Garbage Grove, with no affection. Part of his territory was from San Diego and into Orange County, taking him back there. A day that every two weeks he hated to do. It turned an 8 hour day into a 12 hour day, and combined with being stuck in traffic on the San Diego Freeway, wore out his clutch leg. Which would always heal just in time for the next trip. Sadly his whole opinion of Orange County was based on this freeway and these trips.
I met Fred through Milton, who both were reps for Datsun back in the sixties. Fred also grew up in Orange County, and one day while riding with him he took us back through the places he used to ride. Before they were all turned into 6 house an acre developments. And we went on many old, back roads, which when compared with Gary's ride, was much different. The memories were great, at times we felt like we had been there. Somehow only 30 miles separated where the two grew up, but they were more than 30 miles in different opinions and outlooks.
I have a friend who goes to church as a social duty. In between raising kids, having a career, and maintaining a family, he somehow finds 90 minutes each week for God. The church doesn't matter, just so long as it is easily accessible, non-threatening, expects nothing of him, and he doesn't have to sing. Sadly he gets out of it every bit that he puts into it. And his life shows. Just don't tell him. He's in denial. No names mentioned here, you all know of someone like this, or are that someone.
I also have many friends who love to attend church. We love to worship, and the music is sung to Jesus, not just the songs the choir director likes. You can even hear the drums, and all instruments, not just the woman leading with guitar. It is alive, because they are alive in Christ. And add great teaching, and you find a church that is growing in God's love. Not about numbers, about Jesus. Not about cancelling services, but about Jesus. We are there because we want to be. Where Wednesday night is as important as Sunday morning, because when you walk with Christ, you need that midweek fix. You need to be filled, and you want to be filled. Although it is only three days, you are hungry for more Jesus, and to spend more time with your friends in fellowship. And just like the two Orange County expatriates, the value of the experience is based on the attitude. We get to go, we don't have to!
My early views of California were one of it's a freeway. Which are really just big surface streets to us. And travelling this weekend, I spent a night in Tulare, in Central California's valley. A place where you only get off for gas and food, then back on, and never get to see the town. Or even realize it has one. But this Saturday morning was different. I was going to the rally at Hanford for old bikes. So I rode my old bike, the 1978 Suzuki. Which on Saturday morning, at 8am, decided not to start-it would need a battery. Calling roadside, they sent out someone to jump start me. Then called back to say they were on the way, not the hour wait they told me. Which Kevin the motel manager handled for me. While watching my helmet and jacket. While loaning me tools I didn't ask for-he offered when he heard me ask a construction man if he had a socket set. Which he gave me before the other man showed up-with more tools. When the tow truck driver showed up, the battery tested bad. He told me the Wal-Mart was not far, and he said he would take me over when I asked. After he called in, in case he got another call. Where I got the battery, where a young guy actually knew how to fill it, and did, and using more borrowed tools, installed it, and made the show, some 25 miles away, by 930-am! All this only a few blocks off the highway, but a few blocks that changed my attitude towards Tulare forever.
And helped me with my walk with God. When it first wouldn't start, I got mad. For about 5 seconds. Then knowing God, He reminded me how this would all work out for my good. And it did. From my roadside club, to the motel manager, to the tow truck operator, to the guy at Wal-Mart servicing the new battery, God had them all in place-just when I needed them. A reminder, that He is so much more than just for Sunday mornings-He does Saturday mornings, too. And wants to do every day, every hour, and every minute of your life. Would you let Him?
My bike could have died anywhere, God allowed it to happen where He had already set up a pit crew, a team of people, to help this stranger. A team of Good Samaritans, to minister to one of God's broken children. So take the time to find a good church. Then get involved. Grow in Christ, and watch as your attitude changes. You may be stuck in traffic and not know it, let Jesus guide your ride. Just like so many towns along the freeway, they are made up of communities, which are made of neighborhoods, which are made up of neighbors-who are you and me! Who will show hospitality to strangers when needed, just like Jesus did, and does. And is ready when you need Him-just ask! Trust God today. Enjoy life more. For life is more than a freeway through life, it is knowing Jesus Christ. Where there is always room at His inn, help is just a prayer, or phone call away, and He meets your every need-long before you know what you need. An important lesson relearned in Tulare, just two blocks off the freeway. A team of Samaritans who don't ride, who showed up and helped someone who does. Not even knowing they were sent by God as angels of mercy that morning. What a great parable that would make.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com