Adopting the mantra of size matters to motorcycles, whatever happened to
the small bikes? When I started riding 250cc was the norm, and my first CB350
Honda was used for touring-take that Gold Wingers! The British believed 650cc
was the biggest any engine should be, and the Americans quoted theirs in cubic
inches-all the way to 74! That was big. Also proving bigger isn't necessarily
better. But then Honda dropped the bomb-reluctantly at first, with their 750,
when they were afraid no one would want a big bike, having made history with
50cc rides, not even calling them motorcycles, but Hondas. Then the 903cc Z-1,
and today it takes 1800cc with six cylinders to haul all the bike and junk we
think we need to ride. But the one thing that didn't increase with size was the
fun, for fun cannot be measured in cc's, but in the ride.
I have two friends who are border line insane when it comes to
scheduling. They can tell you what time and with who lunch is with in six
months. How much time they have with their wives-after checking her schedule,
and every day is planned. A major event can be waiting an extra ten minutes to
be seated, but usually they have called ahead. Not a hair out of place, nor
appointment, and heaven help the fool who messes with their i-phone. Time rules
them, they just don't know it. And they go through life shaking their heads in
amazement at people like me, who have learned flexibility. And the ability to
adjust. No fun, no freedom. How can they enjoy the ride? Do they ever wonder
where that road goes? Or do they just never wander?
I blame it on riding, or more precisely the weather. Gonna rain to the
north, go south. High heat in the desert, mountains here I come. We deal with
the conditions, rather than let them deal with us. But sometimes you have to
endure the heat, or rain, or health risk, and you adjust. Not just that time,
but all the following events. The rainbows always appear after the storm.
When I was Life Flighted from Durango this summer, it was not part of our
plans. And Theresa had to cancel three weeks of reservations between Wisconsin
and California. We had to yield to the situation, but really we were yielding
to God. Who, as usual was right on when He said "I know the plans I have for
you." So we followed His lead, never questioning why, or how come us, but let
Him lead. And even while in the events while they were unfolding, we found
peace. I finally came to the point while rehabbing that I couldn't look ahead,
I was totally consumed with right now. And if I can't handle right now, how can
I handle tomorrow? Or next week? It took trusting God, and letting the Holy
Spirit guide us. And I see a time when the church, and other organized
institutions will be shaken, and even follow God or be wiped out. We will all
be given the opportunity to trust God. So heed the words of Jesus now-pick up
your cross and follow Him. You may have to give something up, but the rewards
are life changing, and life saving. And it is your choice, as an individual,
not a church, club, family, or i-phone appointment. It is between you and
God.
So learn from Honda, enjoy the small things, but anticipate even bigger
things. God tells us if we fail the small things, there are no bigger
blessings. Don't be too big for a 500, enjoy the ride. Bigger means more
weight, more money, more responsibility. Enjoy what God is giving you. Don't
let your best rides be memories, enjoy the ride today. And if your schedule is
dictating your life, toss it. Gain a freedom in Christ that allows for errors.
Yours. All time doesn't need to be accounted for. God isn't your boss who
demands an accounting of your day. Did the disciples carry Daytimers? Did
Jesus? He was never late, but always on time. Would a bigger ride have gotten
Him there sooner?
Trust God today. What is change and flexibility to us in His plan for us.
NO plan b as some ascribe too, He knows, so doesn't have to have a back-up
plan. Trust Him and watch You wouldn't need a suspension if there were no
bumps in the road. Let God plan your ride in life, ditch the calendar, and go
with Him. Open heart surgery was not in our vacation plans, but God knew, and
had it all worked out. Better than AAA let Him plan your route. Your job is to
follow it and enjoy the ride. Just for the fun of it. My heart and schedule
literally are open to Jesus-is yours?
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com