It seems my cell phone shelf life is over. My son had gotten me one for my
protection, which I usually forgot to take with me. And when I did it was to
use as a watch or take pictures with. My wife liked it, it was an i-phone
whatever, and now since he changed carriers, and got a new phone, I once again
face the world each morning a little more secure knowing it won’t ring and
interrupt me. I think I got one phone call in the 90+ days I had it, and wasn’t
sure how to answer it. So it’s back to land lines for me, and for a few days
when the family big switch was going on, it was the only phone
available...suddenly I was the hero, and also the subject of how lousy the
service was, etc, etc. Things are back to normal now, and I will have to learn
two new numbers, theirs, since I don’t have a phone where I can access it, I
have to learn it. How middle class!
As you know I am not a big high tech guy, but lately it has invaded my
world. Riding the latest Triumph Trophy SE with cruise control, throttle by
wire, traction control, ride height adjustment-electrical, suspension the same,
ABS, and a sound system with weather channel, and satellite radio, seat and hand
grip heaters, add in three power ports plus one for USB and I am overwhelmed.
And admit I liked the cruise when I could use it, set it at 80-100, and relax.
No more getting out the tool kit, if the bike has one, and adjusting the rear
spring by hand. Even the windshield was electric, and one cold night at 50
degrees, I raised it all the way. Sat on the heated seat. But never did find a
setting I liked. Couldn’t find how to turn on the radio, someone asked how it
sounded, and I even liked the bags. Which are beveled having their own
suspension, they lean when the bike leans. And when it went back I missed it,
for a few miles. And have to realize that the future for me, like many others
is here today, whether I asked for it or not. And soon what is high tech will
be low tech. What will that make me?
But I am back on the Bonneville today, and with a valve adjustment, and a
new air filter, chain and sprockets, at 71k miles it runs great. With none of
the above high tech, electric starters are for me as far back as I care to go.
And after riding my 1978 Suzuki over 250 miles this weekend, can firmly attest
to the fact I don’t need all the electric goodies and add ons. I led through
corners, still went over 100, without cruise control, set the rear shocks by
hand, and had wind in my face. And was comfortable, rode safely, and had a
great time. Even found folly when some young kid called me old school, to which
I replied, “no, just school.” It seems that the learning curve for riding still
goes on, and new for him is old for me. Proven by all the old grey hairs who
recognize the Bonneville and tell stories about when they had one. Easily
recognized by the younger ones with shaved heads and dew rags. Someday they
will wish they had pictures of themselves with hair, imagine those stories. And
the dichotomy, old guys with hair, young guys bald. But it seems that whenever
you enter the riding world, is when your history lessons begin, and while my
heroes of old used to warn against kick starters breaking ankles on Triumphs,
and how only real men could kick start a Harley, and how only sissies would ride
a Sporty with an electric starter, today’s new riders will remember a new
sensory input of riding. Yet the thrill will somehow be there...just not the
same. Maybe it’s just me, but it sure is good to be back on my Bonneville.
Simple like my Jesus, so can get it.
New Christians today are faced with growing in Christ quickly. Jump into
the word, attend all Bible studies and prayer meetings, stay out of the world,
we expect you in church, and if you aren’t there, may consider you backslidden.
Sound familiar? No wonder the attrition rate is higher than it should be. We
forget that growth is a maturity process, and is different for each one of us.
That it takes years for an acorn to grow into a tree, yet only a few months to
grow corn. How flowers bloom in spring, and wilt in summer. And die in
winter. It seems God has appointed a certain time and growth pattern for
everything, us included. Some come to Christ and are instantly changed, yet
some years later seem unchanged. Some are bold and noisy, while Joseph of
Arimethia was silent and gave up his tomb to Jesus. There when needed and
called. A process as part of God’s plan, directed by God, interfered with by
man. We all grow at different rates, just as we all ride at different
rates.
Take two men, one comfortable at 65 mph, the other at 70. At the end of an
hour of riding together, they are 5 miles apart. Don’t compare your speed with
others, ride your own ride. And work out your own relationship with Christ.
Let him lead you into maturity, and be blessed while doing it. Some can’t ride
without a windshield, I don’t like them at all. I want the wind in my face. So
who’s right? Or are we both wrong? What good is high tech if you still can’t
ride?
When Jesus leads we are both right. Individuals as he created us. some
quiet, some loud, and some louder still. Let our actions say the most about us,
words will fail, but actions will be remembered. Paul planted, Apollos watered,
but it was God who provided the growth. For just like a seed planted, only he
can see what goes on under the ground. And only you and him know about the seed
he planted in you. Ride your own ride, and live your own life in Christ. For
just like phones and motorcycles, it isn’t about the messenger, it is the
message. And when Jesus just happens to be both, you will change. Now that’s a
ride we all should take.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com