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When the do-gooders of the late sixties reminded us that the air was dirty,
but sex was clean, some groups centered in on motorcycles, and those that ride
them. Suddenly the sound of a BSA, Triumph, or Harley was not to be recognized,
as noise pollution became a hot topic, and before the government banned exhaust
music altogether, these earth driven ads of less sound means more ground
appeared in many cycle magazines. Wonderful pictures of long hairs in gardens,
or dancing through woods were there to persuade us, and many neat sounds went
away. Fortunately so did the ads, but not after exhaust sounds had been changed
forever. Almost the day the music died.
For years I have thought nationally for our trips, planning them spanning
time zones, purple mountain majesties, and over amber waves of grain. Having
travelled in 49 states, and for periods of 5 weeks, we have seen much of the
beauty of this country from two wheels. But this year will be different, as the
past few months we have travelled locally-within California, and refocused our
riding. Whereas before one mission was to escape California, we now will
confine ourselves to within its borders. We will refocus and rethink eating-I
will miss fried clams in Maine, BBQ in the south, and Steak and Shake in the
Midwest. The 4th of July will not be in Quakertown, where traditions go back
200 years, and we will miss small town America. When I think of Mexican food it
will not be New Mexican, for no one here will ask red or green-if you know what
I mean. But many new opportunities open up, and my latest trip to AAA for maps
was for counties and areas of California, not of the US. Towns that we passed
through on our way out will now become destinations. I am thinking locally, and
acting locally, and I like the challenge.
This past month has been one of day trips. 200 mile daily rides to
Riverside-ever seen the Mission Inn at Christmas? Or watched the surfers from
Sunset Cliffs in San Diego? How about a ride along the Coast Highway in Orange
County, or the back wine country of Temecula? Did you know some of the best
chocolate available is only 100 miles away-on back roads from home? So our
mission has changed, and we will be riding locally-California if you will, with
fond memories of nationally. The ride goes on....
Whenever you hear the word missions at church it stirs up visions of
foreign lands, countries in Africa no one knew existed, lands like China, India,
and Russia where the gospel is tolerated, not welcome, and many times illegal
and a death sentence for those preaching it. We tend to skip over many places
like major cities within the US of A, local food banks, pregnancy clinics, and
high schools. We really forget our first mission is to our families, and have
seen many strained over the years because of church doctrines, pastors
visions-hey, why are they still home if it is the best thing to go out? and I
have sat through mission speakers, dinners, pot-lucks, movies, rallies, and even
missionaries themselves sharing about the work God has called them too. The
difference being that God has called them, not some theocracy based on
denomination, tradition, or guilt. They go because God has called them, and
they are glad to obey-although some are a bit pensive at first. They know where
God has guided them that He will provide, and home may be across the world,
across the nation, and for some across town. But rarely do I hear of people
being recruited locally, for local missions. The underlying message is the
darker, the farther, or the most inconvenient is the best-our pride allowing us
to forego any argument to the contrary. We forget about those in prison, senior
homes, hospitals, and food banks. No glory in them for many-but they are
exactly what Jesus has called us too. How many have neglected the rich-don't
you think there may be a spiritual void in Beverly Hills? La Jolla? Rancho
Santa Fe? Do missionaries ever get called to these remote areas? How about
your spouse-do we consider their needs? Is it too far across the dinner table
to reach out to our own kids? Yet we will neglect them for the great message of
the church-to spread the gospel. Misinterpreting that Jesus said "as you go,"
meaning wherever you are, the fields are ready. Jerusalem, Judea, and the outer
countries-places we go through to get to where we are going-being neglected, in
the God's name, maybe using it in vain. How many will avoid a homeless person,
placed there by God, stepping over a Lazarus who needs love? Don't we expect
the same when we are down?
Who will go? Maybe you, I know me. So my vision for ministry that can be
far sighted, has been changed to short sidedness. I am looking for more
opportunities, and look forward to seeing changes in my neighborhood, city, and
my church. But first my family, and yes me too. As I seek the vision that God
gives me as opposed to following someone else's vision my rides change. And a
new excitement is taking over. I will still think heavenly, but on a local
basis. Local being wherever I happen to be. And as my library of maps grows
from states to counties, I look forward to 200 mile days, and 2500 mile trips,
but will miss the 11,000 mile treks.
Ask God where He wants you to be. Jesus ministered locally-for wherever He
was, the gospel went out. Less miles, more smiles, and more blessings. Only in
Christ will you realize that there is no place like home...and encourage people
to get out more and find it. So to paraphrase the old Mission Impossible TV
opening, "your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to be a light
wherever you are." The road will still be the best destination when travelling,
so many roads and so little time. And so many just a day trip away waiting to
be ridden. A mission I am glad to accept.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com