You never realize just how big the west really is until you ride across
it. After crossing into the Mountain Time Zone, the sunsets get larger and so
does the distance between towns. I had filled up in Guymon, 50 miles form
nowhere heading west, and stopped in Hooker for a soda. Experience told me I
could go another 60 miles with the gas left, so I pushed on, with Clayton my
next gas stop. With no mileage markers to go by, I rode on, until I saw it,
Clayton 80 miles. No big deal, there will be gas along the way....after all it
was only 80 miles. But as the miles went on, and the old faded signs that once
told of clean restrooms just ahead with friendly service, the old places to fuel
along the road were abandoned, or closed. With the digital fuel gauge on my
Nighthawk 650 disappearing, it was evident I would run out of gas gauge and then
out of gas. So just before going into panic mode, I dropped my speed to 40 mph,
stayed in sixth gear, and laid my belly on the tank for the next 60 miles.
Only a two lane road in the middle of nowhere with nowhere to pull over, I rode
along the shoulder, being buffeted by big trucks, passed by everything from old
pickups to shiny new cars to kids on skateboards wondering what was with the guy
on the motorcycle. As I counted down the miles to Clayton, signs began to
appear, promising gas and and cold drinks, if only my bike would cooperate. And
as the sun set in front of me temporarily blinding me, I saw a Shamrock station
in the distance. Old and faded, I hoped it was open, as I coasted in...I was
out. It was, and after filling the 3.4 gallon tank with 3.5 gallons, rewarded
myself with a cold Coke, and pointed myself west. The danger had been averted,
if only for now, as I still push the limits of my fuel range...and the greatness
of my God.
Truth be told, many situations can be avoided by using common sense and a
bit of prudence. But many times they are avoided with a great degree of
stupidity and we pay the price. It is in those times we wish we had listened
and then turn to God. If only we had turned to him first, heeding the warnings,
we would avoid the panic and desperation of much of our prayers later. But
sadly most people’s prayer, both Christian and secular are only in times of
distress, but mostly after the trouble arises, and we reach a point of no
return. It may be a 60 mile fuel range with 80 miles to go, it may be not
heeding a law about drugs and alcohol, or failing to see the warning signs in a
relationship. It may be buying more car or house than your wallet can pay for,
if only your ego was a paycheck. When suddenly the joy of whatever we thought
was worth it becomes a curse, and curse it instead of turning to God. In over
2000 years since Jesus told us he would never leave us or forsake us, we neglect
the things of the spirit for the lust of the eye, and the world. Just because
it isn’t raining we don’t pack the rainsuit, then get upset with God when it
does. When we overspend and he tells us to back off and sell, we blame him for
our lack of resources, when it was he who let us make the call on what we buy,
relying on a FICO score to dictate us rather than the spirit. Money in the bank
means nothing if there is nowhere to spend it, just like I found out with no gas
stations. Yet too many of us spend too much time on our bellies instead of on
our knees, seeking God before rather than seeking his mercy after.
Maybe the difference between grace and mercy is you have to screw up to
obtain mercy, we all qualify. Education and experience may be good guides, but
are no replacement for the holy spirit. But God’s grace is always sufficient,
and when walking in it, we see things his way, rather than our own. It is like
riding up your favorite mountain road, we cannot see around the curves and ride
in hope, but he can see from heaven and knows what is ahead. From his point of
view he knew the situation between Hooker and Clayton, I only saw the signs, and
hoped. It may only be a small cut on your arm, until it is neglected and it gets
infected. But knowing God has never left us, we should know he is with us
always, not just in the panic situations. He is always under and in
control....would it not make sense to seek him? After all the qualities of the
spirit are love, joy, and peace. Wisdom and mercy, that word again, and full of
glory. Maybe the best road map for life ever established, and available to
all....yet we neglect to pick up on Jesus and his spirit until we cannot do it
ourselves any more. And yes, you can avoid the rush....
Something inside of me that day told me I needed gas, but I denied the
message. Mercy was needed, and provided, yet I suffered the ride needlessly
because I didn’t heed it. I knew I would make it, I just hoped I didn’t have to
push. Don’t push things with God, trust him now, his spirit is true and wise,
his mercy everlasting, because our foolishness is too. But grace, that
wonderful thing we cannot describe but only experience is only a thought or
prayer away. The signs were there, the station was there, and I was there. So
was his spirit. It was my choice to ride on and face running out. So rather be
like the ten virgins and keep the spirit burning in your lamp, and in your
tank. The restrooms may be clean....but no good if you ain’t there! Or of
course you can take the freeway and live by exit numbers....until it happens
again and you have to trust God!
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com