Thursday, September 20, 2012

what happens when the season ends






Finally, the day you have waited for all winter has arrived, and the pitchers and catchers arrive at spring training. After a long winter with no baseball, you finally have a new reason to live. And as you go to spring training, you catch up with old friends, and review with each other what you did all winter without baseball in anticipation of the new season. Opening day comes, and you are there-like always, and other season ticket holders renew acquaintances with you-and the season opener begins the long awaited season.
You endure May, June, July, and the dog days of August, hoping some day, some how your team rallies from 15 games out, that would be nice, but it is about the game more. Winning would just be an added bonus. Then it's after Labor Day, and soon the last two weeks of the season are upon you. Season one is almost over, but you are rewarded with a second season, the playoffs, and you are excited, even if your team isn't included. And then you can't believe the World Series is over, and another year has passed. Winter is here...and you look forward to next spring. The season is over.
It is late September, and you start to notice the leaves changing colors, and starting to fall. The riding season is almost over, and you plan on not missing one weekend that remains. Even up early when the temp is below 40, you know that 60 will feel warm soon. And that soon all the honey do's that waited until winter, will now get done-as long as they are inside. With the exception of an Indian summer weekend, or nice day without snow. But the season is over, and soon you drive down to the shop to visit, meeting your friends, somehow different without helmet head and a line of bikes parked outside. It is winter, and you wonder how many years until spring finally arrives.
But each spring, no matter how excited you are, you notice some are missing. Where' Pete? He was always here for spring training? Somehow it won't be opening day with Bill and Patty...and you realize that another season has ended, just as as new one begins. That certain friends who made it worthwhile won't be there...that their season of life has ended. You quit waiting for Gerald to show up at the diner, and you miss his bike parked outside. You start to invite others to sit where he did with you, they ride, and are cool-but it's not the same. Your season of waiting has arrived, but their season never did. Through death, sickness, or inability, they are gone. And it makes an impact on you. You remember them, and miss them, but you start the season without them. Having to make adjustments to the new, knowing the old normal is gone...and wondering, what will the new normal be? How long until my season ends, and they miss me?
God has promised us many things, among them a life rich and abundant in Jesus Christ. He is there for every season, every ride, and every home opener. He knows we won't be, and shows us how valuable each day is, and not to look to tomorrow, but enjoy today. Don't wish for a time when things will be better, enjoy what you have now. For He also promises no man tomorrow, and so many live for that time that never arrives. Clinging to hope, neglecting today, but never seeing the next spring. We know that believers enter heaven-a season that has no end, but those who reject the gospel have an even longer season in hell. But what about those who are left to endure the next season? Who ministers to them, and sees them through?
Jesus also told us to weep with them that weep. It is normal to mourn, yet some don't because of pride, or just because they won't. It isn't cool. Not normal. Their old normal is shattered, and they are depressed, or misled while looking for that new normal. Unwilling to let go of the past, they live an unsure future...and it doesn't have to be that way. I have been that close to death, and when talking with those that lost loved ones, or beat death for now, we have a different view on life. We look for that new normal, and know we can't go back. We have no chance for the past...but in Christ we have a great future, and a great right now. If only we let God lead us. For the same God that gave us baseball and motorcycles, has created other things for our pleasure-number one among them a relationship with Him. Something you can have with your other seasons, but now He may be all you have to cling too. And will be and is everything you need.
Find some time today to do those honey do's. For a time may come when honey isn't. Don't wait until the next ride, explore those new roads today. Eat that meal where you always wanted to. Not tomorrow, or next time-NOW! And find time to call and spend with those families who have lost someone. Or have had a life changing experience, or can't get out. You may be three miracle they need to bring them life. How exciting to be given some surprise tickets. To be treated to dinner. Or to hear the roar of motorcycles parked out front. And find a new normal in your own life that doesn't revolve around you. Include God, and watch as all games this season have a new meaning, and each ride more excitement. Watch as He adds life to your style, and a new and better normal awaits those whose lives have changed. Be involved as God would have you, and "Play ball!" What a better excuse to ride than to brighten someone else's day! It starts with you and Jesus. He has His ticket, and His bike is fueled. Let's ride!
Why be bored or bummed, when a new and exciting normal is calling! Start now...remember that promise about tomorrow? Better yet remember God's promises about today!
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew 25biker.blogspot.com