As you know I ride a lot, and a lot of different motorcycles. Let’s just
call me blessed, because I am. But a few years back when Mickey called it was
different. They were making a movie with Angelina Jolie called SALT, and
Triumph was loaning them a new Street Triple R for the film. In it she rides
for 61 seconds being chased by her former co-patriots. They think she is a spy
who betrayed them. But she rides the Stripple in the movie and those wonderful
sounds you hear are me. Add that to your pile of who cares, an answer that will
never appear on Jeopardy, or win any trivia contests. But riding up to a remote
area outside Lancaster, I met two sound men, and made over 100 passes at over
100 mph-and got paid for it! If that sounds lie bragging, it is. Now the sound
guys were definitely not motorcycle enthusiasts. They were a little, no a lot
nerdish, but we got along fine. He had started reading off a script of sounds
he needed, and after a few minutes, I just said, “give me the scenarios, and
I’ll ride the bike-you’ll get the sounds. And he did, and I did, and they did.
The envelope please, “for most fun had while doing sound for a movie he’ll never
go to see...Mike Mohn!”
And I haven’t, because I don’t do movies, old ones yes, black and white,
yes. But while on Youtube yesterday, I googled “Triumph Angelina Jolie,” and up
it popped-all 61 seconds of it. And to say I was impressed at the riding was an
understatement. The plot was a little shaky, but the riding great. And the
sound...oh if only I had been there, wait a minute-I was! And after watching it
a few times, there is one part that brought a huge smile to my face, and I
remembered the sound man’s words, “you’ll be in the theatre, watching the scene,
and when you hear it, you’ll want to shout ‘that was me!’” And I found that
spot, maybe two second worth, but turned it into many minutes of “that was me.”
For one, I was impressed how well the sounds of the Stripple matched the scene,
no 27 shifts in three seconds while going 20 mph, they matched. But the sound I
remembered was made by riding at him over 100 mph, while he was standing on the
shoulder. Then at the last minute, veering away-this guy was tough, or real
stupid to be standing like that, and then accelerating away-in various gears.
Coming within inhces of hitting him-that’s show biz. I can still remember it,
and now I saw the scene-and he was right-that was me. See the movie, or Youtube
it, and hear it-that was me! Note at about 45 seconds pay attention, or you’ll
miss it.
And no I never met Angelina, although I hear she rides, and never saw the
movie until the Youtube excerpt yesterday. But the sound-you had to be there,
and now you can. Listen for it, you may have to endure it a few times, but
you’ll hear it-music to my ears. And I hope yours. Now it took over 100 passes
because I wanted to get it right, and give him sound different sounds to work
with, Ok I really was having fun. But once I got into it, I wanted to ride
more...and more...and more...
Cut to church on Saturday night-we have an awesome worship team. Led by
John Wickham-father of Evan and Phil, he has been around Maranatha Music since
the 70’s, and was part of The Way. He not only plays guitar, but is a true
musician, which is more than just playing the notes. But this isn’t about him,
but the piano player, whose name I don’t know. As I watched his hands on the
big screen, they never hesitated, and seemed to flow making music. They were
incredible, and it dawned on me he was no beginner. He just didn’t show up and
play once a week, but lots of practice at home and with the team. Which to him
may not have been practice, but just having fun, like when I was riding. But it
showed in his playing, as he added to the music-not drawing attention to
himself, or away from others, but bringing harmony. He was in tune with the
scene, and thoroughly having fun, true worship is fun, and is more than just
singing the words while the correct notes are played. It starts from within and
flows, and flows...steady with the throttle hand Mike...
I love to listen-NOT-to actors when nominated for an award, saying the
nomination is the award, false. No one sets out to be mediocre, so hide your
false humility elsewhere. I also know too many that just come to Christ, and
then go on with life, not letting Him be any part of it, except for one hour
they begrudgingly give over to church each week, except if there is a game on
they want to see, or a ride to ride. Been there, done that-so you’re not
alone. But Jesus wants us to have an intimate life with Him, to be included in
all things we do. He says He’ll never leave us or forsake us, so He is hanging
around waiting for us to welcome Him on the ride, or into our lives. While
listening to worship it is more than words and notes-it is music, and to God
sounds wonderful. But until we reach heaven, where perfect pitch resides, we
will still be making joyful noises, some better than others. But music is more
than notes, words, and a good beat. It incorporates all that, and is played
from the heart. “If music be the language of love, play on,” the shirts said in
the 70’s. And so as I watch some play notes, chords, and struggle, I am amazed
at how some have the music flow from them. There has to be a difference, and
the spirit makes it. The intimacy of singing to God, of watching the harmonies
of song touch our heart brings us together in the spirit. And where the spirit
is, there is liberty. And since God is love, maybe music is His language. So
play on! All this from a man who cannot paly any instrument, and has trouble
tuning a radio. Ah, but the spirit...
So seek Jesus, ask Him into your life, to live with you. To go to work
with you, to ride with you, to hang out with you. Hey, I hear He is even cool
with going to church. So hang with Him. And find your notes turn into music,
words turn into verses, and that your heart is touched by His spirit when you
include Him. And at that right moment when you meet Him face to face, you can
shout, “that’s me. That’s Him!” But better yet you can shout “that’s us!” I
never met Angelina, nor do I care too. But I do know Jesus, and if I met her I
would love to share Him with her. Maybe on a pair of Street Triples, out having
fun. Making music by twisting a throttle. And neither one will have to ask
“are you having fun?” We’ll know. But I’ll know Jesus, and that will make all
the difference. Worship by playing the throttle. Let Him make a difference in
your music, worship, riding, marriage, work, or life today. And when others
hear the testimony, you can say “that was me!” Humbly of course, too bad you
can’t brag about how humble you are. So brag on Him, standing or sitting, brag
on Him.
Jesus Christ-you had to be there. And now you can.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com