It started as kids, hanging out after school playing kickball without
teachers. Soon we were riding bikes together, then hanging out with girls. But
as we got older and rode, soon it was afternoons at the bike shop, and as we got
older, Saturday’s too when too cold or rainy to ride. A place where everybody
knew your name, or at least the nickname they had given you. Where Tuesday’s
donuts had gotten hard and marked their spot with grease by Saturday, and where
we felt at home. And in our own minds needed. Sometimes we would help sweep up
and empty trash, like Jay Leno did for Bud Ekins. No fancy celebrities here.
We would help moving bikes around, and for some of us we spent so much time
there customers thought we worked there. We got to see the new models early,
and when offered a test ride-but don’t tell anyone, we did and didn’t. Remember
the first 1982 Katanas-I rode one. Fast! The same with the first Rocket 3-such
were the benefits of friendship. On some rainy days when things were slow, we
would get a discount after much negotiating, read begging, and then to the shop
where we begged again to have the part installed. After spending too much time
helping and talking with the mechanics, who were already behind thanks to us,
and had other bikes to finish that were promised for the weekend-which started
on Sunday and ended on Monday. Remember those motorcycle shop days off? But
somehow it all got done, and we repeated the process again the next week. Same
donuts, same conversations, new Cycle magazine, and more bench racing. With a
little more than the free memories, and the free t-shirt you were given as a
reminder. You were part of a brotherhood, more than those that rode, you were
part of the shop, and even if it was a small part, an annoyance was how you were
referred to, it was those times and friends that made it all worthwhile. So
talking with Dan yesterday, who started fixing bikes when he was a mechanic, we
laughed about the good times, being broke, but not broken, for the rule in many
homes was like ours was, we can eat hot dogs and potatoes, the bike gets the
best Castrol. The things some parents do for their kids, we did and still do
for riding motorcycles.
But a quick glance on the inside of doing business, made me glad I didn’t.
The shop owners were in it for love, and obviously not the money. It was
rumored some shops went broke buying donuts every week. Just a rumor. But
while we had real jobs, and could hang out, as a shop owner you were open 24/7,
before the term became popular. Seeing the parts guy at a Mickey D’s, you asked
about the new Yosh header, while all he wanted was some time alone away from the
shop. And anytime a mechanic would see someone stuck on the side of the road,
he would stop to help, many times his wife going to his kid’s programs alone,
and facing her wrath when he got home, usually after her. But this was our
brotherhood, and we did it without pay many times, but paying the price in other
ways. We became good will ambassadors for motorcycling and the shop, and we
were glad to do it. And we still do it today...
Two things you must know about pastors is no matter how much they are paid,
it isn’t enough. And no matter now many hours they work, there aren’t enough.
For what appears to be an hour long gig on Sundays, is really a 24/7, there’s
that term again affair. See your pastor out with his family, instantly you want
to stop and say hi, and you should-then respect his privacy too. If you want to
unload about your current problem, make an appointment and go see him. Don’t
interrupt his family time. I have also found that pastors like to ride, and
many are at least into cars. Find a common ground and talk about it with them,
they could use the break. Jesus was a carpenter, how many framers and cabinet
men did He meet and talk business, forming a relationship? And getting to know
Him, wanted to know Him, leading to salvation. For like bike shops, Jesus is
all about relationships, the main one being with His father. Remember that when
you think you must go out witnessing, you could be being a witness and building
a relationship, while ministering at the same time. What a novel thought! An
ambassador fro Christ! Being who you are in Christ, when you are out in the
world! It is not unusual for me to have others come over and want to talk about
riding when they hear us, and it is the same about Jesus. We have a passion
about both, but only one saves. So again consider the pastor....
When he tells you to be a witness, be one. Not of your church, that is OK
to, but of Jesus. Be willing to answer questions and listen to them. Just like
you once did. For just like our gang at the bike shop, it took time to fit in,
it takes time to build a great relationship, and takes even more to maintain
it. Show some respect of who Jesus is when out! And show some for your pastor
too. We in the biker world know all about respect, if only the church could get
over it! Oh and if you see your pastor out, greet him and leave, leaving him a
love offering. Cover his check, without telling him. Show him some love, it
may not be tax deductible, but God sees it. Show some love, and respect. Like
my wife reminds me whenever anyone else buys the meal it tastes better. Add
some taste to your pastor. And start a revolution of showing love.
The ministry of just being there. Works in church, outside of church, at
diners, and at bike shops. And just like Jesus, who taught in church, He
ministered on the street, just like we do. Meeting people, making friends, and
building relationships. And if it works in church, or diners, or at bike shops,
imagine how it could work at the gym, the golf course or the tennis courts. Of
course these places aren’t as cool as church or bike shops, but they need Jesus
too. Jerusalem may be the next shop ahead, Judea a man stuck on the side of the
road, and the outer areas the golf course. It starts with just two people, and
you find Jesus among them. Pray for us, and pray for your pastors. They need a
place to hang too, if yours doesn’t ride, invite to on ride...could be the best
invite ever! Just introduce him as your friend, give him a chance to make his
own relationships. Somehow those old meals of hot dogs and tater tots weren’t
so bad after all. The things we do for love should be for more than our
motorcycles.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com