I have never been a fan of big cars, although I have fond memories of my
1967 Cadillac Sedan de Ville. At 6 miles per gallon, no matter how driven, it
got a lot of pedal to the metal treatment. And at 1977 fuel prices, took over
$6 to fill, compared to my GS750, which took all of $1.50. But it was big, and
a status symbol to those I thought I wanted to impress, so it sat a lot. And
when Theresa drove it, went over many a curve. It was used to haul kids to
camp, impress girls on dates, and feed OPEC’s thirst for money. But it was too
big, and too expensive, and for the most part I took short trips. So we traded
it, with her Beetle for a Rabbit, and live happily ever after with it. It was a
time when what you drove showed how you were doing, and before BMW’s were
considered luxury, Cadillacs were luxury. And flaunted just how well you were
doing, or the image of doing to those driving those uncomfortable Jap boxes that
got 25 mpg. Remember the Le Car, my old roommate Bob had one, and bragged on
his costs of driving, and was impressive in his argument, until Gerald reminded
us of the true cost. He spent less per month, and drove his Cadillac more,
because he had no monthly payment. And when figuring in Bob’s banknote, he
spent less, had more car, and thought he was ahead. And we were all impressed
with his cost to drive analysis. But I still traded it for the Rabbit, and
payments.
Rabbits were soon to become Golfs, their European name, and were very
popular. Replacing the iconic Beetle, they offered luxury compared to them,
performance unheard of by any Bug, and had heaters, air conditioning, and a
hatch. Suddenly I was trendy and didn’t know it, along with 25 mpg of regular
vs. 6 mpg of premium. It was the late 70’s, and mpg was more important than
mph, something Gerald never understood. Until got my MG Midget which he used
to borrow all the time. We joked it was the spare tire for his Cad, and you
could put the top down. But yet we took many short trips in his big car, and I
never minded riding along in the smell of leather surrounding me either.
And my old Cadillac would be only one of three four door sedans I would
ever own, coupes, hardtops, or convertibles, but never a sedan. And never a
long trip in any big car. There was a trip from Albuquerque to Jersey with
Terry and Geralyn in her Datsun, and the trip to Denver in the Midget, but never
in anything bigger. It was always small car for long trips, even a small pickup
riding to Joplin to assist in the tornado clean up, but never a full size. I
guess I just like smaller cars, owning a Mustang Theresa shares with me. But
then there are motorcycles...and large is the way to go. Now I have gone cross
country on everything from a Honda Nighthawk 650 to my FJ1100 to various
Triumphs and BMW’s. Big bikes on long trips rule, but yet I prefer my
Bonneville around town, no short trips on big bikes, unless I have a Press
bike. Exceptions to all rules. Yet I travel light, despite the engine cc, and
delight as I fill up for under $20 at today’s prices vs. $80 to others in big
cars. Oh and by the way, I own the bikes, so the true cost of riding vs.
driving is still in my favor.
One memorable short trip 2000 years ago shows Jesus riding on a colt.
Fulfilling prophecy, he told his disciples to find a donkey and her colt.
Before this time, soldiers rode the horses, and royalty the colts. Jesus was
showing his deity, his royalty. But Jewish tradition at the time had them
riding horses, only the poor rode donkey colts. Jesus rode the equivalent into
town of Rabbit, when he could have driven a Cadillac. And the masses laid down
palm branches, signs of victory, for their King had arrived. Humble and Godly
all at once, imagine our a televangelist today arriving in old Hyundai. With a
s tick shift-it just ain’t gonna happen. But that was Jesus, humble and loving,
and about to be crucified in one week. If we were to base his success on what
he rode, we would look elsewhere for success, yet he fit in with the least of
us. Proving to those in attendance, and still showing today why the gospel is
simple. Simple so I can get it, and free so we can afford it. No monthly
payments, and at any price a bargain. Think of it like this, what would your
ride be if you wanted to impress your followers? This was also to be the last
ride of Jesus, and today no matter how many we try to impress with what we ride
or drive, our last ride will always be in a station wagon, a hearse. The last
ride we take, a short ride in a big car.
Jesus was greeted with shouts of “hosanna!” meaning God saves. The same
shouts we will hear upon entering heaven. Jesus entered town a hero, left this
world cursed and crucified. We enter this world as a sinner, and have a chance
to leave it a hero, to be welcomed by Jesus himself, but not of our own Accord,
apologies to Honda. At one time they laid down palm branches for Jesus, he asks
you lay down your life. We could never earn heaven, but we can get it as a free
gift. No matter what we ride or drive, and no matter what our last ride is on
or in. As much as we try to impress others by what we drive, God is only
impressed by who we are and how we love others. When is the last time you took
a ride to impress others with the love of Jesus? Ever? Short or long, take one
today. Pray for those clogging up the fast lane in their Prius. Wave to other
bikers. Maybe pay a toll for the next car in line in back of you. And one I
need to work on, not wanting to kill the jerk in the SUV on their cell phone who
just cut me off. We all a final destination, we get to choose hello or heaven.
We just don’t know when or how. The old saying “drive like hell and you’ll get
there,” may be true, so show some love on the road today. That short trip in a
a big car is inevitable upon death, for now enjoy the ride. Jesus had quite a
ride into town, the ride he took out of town surpassed it, it was heavenly.
Make your day and the days of others heavenly too, show Jesus by courtesy,
kindness, and goodness. Never been stopped for those. Pray for your enemies on
the road who are out to get you. And pray for those in big cars too. Their
last ride today may be in their own big car and they don’t know it. Heaven may
be only seconds away, compared to the price of a fill up salvation is the better
bargain. Stay full of the spirit today, Jesus knew what laid ahead, we don’t.
A message from the road safety division at Matthew 25 Biker. And of course,
look out for motorcycles too.
love with compassion,
Mike
mattehw25biker.blogspot.com