Because the future seems so bleak anymore, we tend to look back to the
"good old days." And although I have heard the term used by many people, it
seems to mean another time or something different to each of us. To those
starting a career, it is the college days, to those starting a family being
single, and to those nearing retirement it means when they were just starting
out, before life and reality had shattered all their hopes and dreams. But to
me it means something different, which may be the embodiment of it all-looking
back to a time when things were simpler, before life had interfered with our
plans. Before we knew it all, but thought we did. And now feel threatened by
those who think they do now. And the cycle goes on...and on... and on...
To me much of it is reflected in old cars and motorcycles. It is hard for
me to watch as some young guy gets excited about a car from the seventies-I was
there, couldn't afford them then either. And they were not the cars I lusted
for in the sixties. Or watching as TV shows try to tell me what the styles
were then-I was there. To me, the perfect outfit for girls is still a skirt,
sweater, knee socks, and saddle shoes. Notice I said girls not women, not
important why this outfit-those were the good old days. When you kept your
cootie shots handy, just in case you were caught talking to one. Did girls ever
have shots against boys? It was a general understanding you only got cooties
from girls. Still not sure what a cootie is. But going to Hanford back in May
to a vintage bike show reminded me the good old days were not that far away, and
as I looked at vintage motorcycles from the seventies, I was on one myself, I
didn't feel old, nor did the memories. But all the guys my age seemed to age-I
wonder how I looked to them? How many of us were there searching for the good
old days, or were still caught in their time warp? Time and technology have
moved on-with old memories filling the gap left by the refusal to participate in
progress.
I'll never know, it is one of those esoteric thoughts for a rainy night,
when listening to the thunder takes you back to being a kid, enjoying the show
of noise and light, but secretly scared it might strike too close to home. But
reliving old memories, meeting old guys, and making new friends and memories
keeps me going. So many conversations start with "remember when..." and
although your audience appears to be listening, he is remembering when in his
own memory. Mention the first Z-1, and five guys will give you five memories.
And that is how it should be-personal. With each story the ride getting faster,
the road narrower, and the thrills scarier. With the ones ending with "I'll
never do that again," leaving you wishing for just one more chance at youth now
that you can handle the fear. It has been said youth is wasted on the young,
which has to be better than old age wasted on the old. Now as I approach
older-but not grown up, I look back differently. Same memories, but from an
older and not necessarily wiser perspective. Safe in a place where reality
comes in second to bench racing. We were all older, faster, wiser, and more
fearless back then. Where truth is mixed with perception, truth coming in
second. A distant second for some.
During my recent open heart surgery we heard from many people. some I
haven't seen in 40 years, but can remember the same good times. And when I meet
fellow Christians from 35 years ago, we share testimonies of God working in our
lives. But too few only have the good old days, as life interfered and God was
put on hold. There were careers, families, and life in general. And neglecting
the very one who had given them life seemed to be the first thing to go. It
hurts, me and them, as they missed out on life with God, and it can be lonely
since they are so out of fellowship. Even worse when it is a friend you looked
up to, and has back slidden. It all comes down to a choice to follow Jesus or
your own ambitions-how thankful I am I have stuck with Jesus. Celebrating my
38th summer with Him, every day is the good old days. And not because only of
looking back on great memories-not necessarily good ones, but how He took us
through, and giving us a hope and a future because of Him. Which is sorely
missing from those who chose to go their own way. But it's not too late.
You see Jesus never left us, we left Him. He is still right there, the key
word is repent. Turn from the world, and return to God. For some the turn is a
U-turn, for others just getting both feet on the path. But God knows, and
provides the way. Jesus. Just call out to Him, tell Him you want the good old
days to be today. Then trust and obey. Watch as your career gets jump started,
your family comes to life, and the blessings flow. Where instead of "good Lord
it's morning," it's "good morning Lord!" And watch as the memories grow, and
each day gives you hope for tomorrow. When you meet an old friend you don't
have to travel back years to share God, but it is fresh and new. Each day
having new memories awaiting you-don't miss them!
The good old days are here now. Don't let them pass you by. Your new bike
may be faster, but never as fast as your first 900. Or 650, or 750. The brands
don't matter, or even the size. My 350 was fast enough, until.... And even
though skirts and sweaters are out, your wife still looks good as ever, your
love has never gone out of style. Remind her-don't go back to high school to
remember how good she looked. Enjoy now. And Jesus-the same as always.
Loving, kind, and patient. Waiting for you-make Him Lord again today. If you
have waited at all, that's way too long. These are the good old days.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com
