humpty honda

Raymond Lowey, perhaps the premier industrial designer of the 20th century, had a sign on his desk reading “WEIGHT IS THE ENEMY.” At that time he had designed such iconic items as the Coca Cola bottle, and Studebaker was hoping he could add some style to their automobile line. In an era when things were mast of cast iron, no real plastics available readily, and aerodynamics were still for aeroplanes, he was forward thinking in his approach, reduce weight, put less stress on components, and it will take less horsepower. Or in the case of more horsepower with less weight, it would mean greater acceleration, and better fuel economy. 70 years ago things just not important, but today billions have been spent trying to get that last 1/10 of mpg, or mph. Computers have helped, they can control engine functions, but cannot aid in weight reduction. Lighter, more expensive materials, plastics, and alloys have helped the cause, but if you are overweight to start, the weight cutting can be more costly than just designing it correct in the first place.

Reading a September, 1975 Road Test magazine, I was interested in a test of a Jensen Healey, an English sports car, the top went down marking it as a real sports car. Not sporty as badges on anything from mini-vans to plain Jane four door sedans advertise. But a real sports car, with some interesting specs. 0-60 in 8.3 seconds, OK today, quick 40 years ago. Gas mileage in the 27+ range, all from a 2-seater, with wind in your face, and the sound of the exhaust providing the music. But the kicker was it only weighed 2200 pounds! Or about the same as two Gold Wings! Now true the Wing has a better stereo and cupholders, is much quieter, and costs much more-even in 2013 dollars. But we are comparing cars to bikes! And some British sports cars weighed less, like the Austin Healey Sprite of my friend Joe, that we used to put on his front porch, sideways so he couldn’t drive it off, by only four of us. I have even seen Gold Wings with mechanical assists for getting them on the side stand, maybe that is why they ride in groups, in case one falls, it takes all the Wing’s horses, and all the Wing’s men to pick up Humpty Honda again. Lowey was right, weight is the enemy.

It is for adults to. Having lost 40 pounds in my open heart surgery diet, one I don’t recommend, I feel so much better. Ask Ken and Marcia, both losing 40+ pounds. Bikerjim losing the same. And suddenly we see the problem-us. But the solution is also the same-us. We can control our intake, sometimes painfully-pizza still smells good, and I hold my breath past In and Out, but I feel so much better. And my body is healthier. And it adds to my good looks. LOL. Now I am not about to tell you what to eat, but healthy is a good thing. It may not add years to your life, sorry surveys, you ain’t God, but it can add life to your years. And just as less weight on the bike effects handling, it also effects your knees, ankles, and the rest of your body. If you are brave, or old enough, look back 40 years and see how good you looked. The Disco clothes fit tighter as they should, and you fit better in your leathers-and didn’t mind being seen with the top down, on your car. You wanted others to see how good you looked, as opposed to wearing expanders on your vest, and spandex in your jeans. The mirror didn’t shrink, and you didn’t either. Now that I have cheered you up...

God has given us this wonderful thing called choice. We can say yes to anything, like sin, or no to the same. He refers to it in Galatians 5 as fruit of the spirit. The last one listed-self control. and the hardest, but maybe most rewarding, as it is your choice, you can either accept full credit or full blame. For it is by the choices we make that reflect the glory of God in or lives. A few years back Dr. Nick lost over 250 pounds, and when I saw him in church, he greeted me, and I said “Hi Dr. Nick.” Not because I recognized him, I didn’t, but knew his voice. Also I had seen him on the news about his weight loss, or there is no way I would have known him. He looked great! Now he knows how I knew. Foreknowledge. And God offers us the same thing. Found in the Bible, with instructions and encouragement...but it is your choice.

You can put lipstick on a pig, but he is still a pig, you can build horsepower in an engine, but will sacrifice economy. Things that weigh more are less efficient. I was glad when plastic two liters came along, lifting glass 32 oz. bottles all day was tiring. So consider your weight today. and don’t delay. There is a difference between waiting and delaying. Waiting is looking for the right time God prepares, delaying is putting it off. Not obeying God, when it is for your own best benefit. Those that wait upon the Lord, shall renew their strength...those that weight upon the Lord delay. It could be you are sports car in a mini-van body. Carrying weight you don’t need. Can you see your toes? Maybe the hardest test of all? But do you see Jesus? Do you want to? It is your choice, self control. Now don’t you feel better?

I think I’ll finish off the Oreos just to celebrate. Only kidding, I think I’ll slip into the jeans I haven’t worn inyears, throw a leg over my Street Triple, and take a ride. But not past the In and Out. Please Lord, lead me not into temptation. Wait or weight, god is waiting on you. Your choice, self control. Only you can decide. Some ride are required to ride a treadmill, I rather ride my motorcycle. So many decisions, so little time. But only one Jesus. Make Him your decision today. Don’t wait, remove the weight today. You can have a shape like a Coke bottle, rather than indulging in one. And no, you aren’t too short for your weight.

Remember trying to shift in platform shoes? Maybe the only way to add inches and not weight. But are they hard to shift with....

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

where have all the old names gone?

Indian Motorcycles is alive and, well producing motorcycles again. New Indian motorcycles, at a premium price. And I hope they do well, this time. For since they went to their final rest, at the time back in 1953, the name has been resurrected a few times, around a new bike, and new companies. Only to fail, leaving the newest owner with a dream and a marketplace to fill. Of all the great old names in motorcycling, only Harley Davidson, and Triumph thrive today. Harley has escaped death a few times, and was finally purchased and reborn in 1983 when a group of executives bought Harley, and reinvented it, along with some of the slickest marketing ever known, so good a course is taught at the college level about it. Triumph, a year older than The Motor Company, was all but out of business, down to a few bikes built a year for custom orders, when John Bloor, a British industrialist bought the name and the rights. He builds cities, and although not a biker, per se, was influenced by others enough to resurrect Triumph and its name. For historical value if nothing else. And when he decided to build new Triumph motorcycles, figured he had one chance to make it. And it had to be based on Quality, something missing from the market until the Japanese invented it in the 60’s. You can only get by on your reputation for a short time, and today they are celebrating over 20 years in business! Building bikes in multiple countries, slowly establishing the old standby “the sun never sets on the English empire.” And so I hope that Indian makes it, and after sitting on one, no test rides yet, I was impressed. Great styling, quality, and workmanship. High priced, but if can’t afford it, ride something else. Just don’t touch my bike! And although not a cruiser guy, I hope they make it. And being owned by Polaris, who makes snowmobiles, and Victories, I think they will, with people and money to back them, could an Indian be in your future? Another American built V-twin?

And so we see value in a name, and what it can mean. Norton has also been trying to re-invent itself, a few times over, and has even built a few bikes, for display only. BSA, RIP, gone forever. As with Matchless, Excelsior, and other hallowed names in motorcycledom. I even know the guy who is bringing back Crocker, an LA based bike from the thirties. Steeped in tradition, and folklore, I hope he makes it. Vincent didn’t, although my friend and fellow rider Barney Li tried. Only his dying from a crash while touring prevented us from knowing how good they could have been. Even Royal Enfield continues on today, with a cult like following, their bikes still made in India, since 1954, bragging about how you can buy a new 1954 bike today. Low priced, and good for around town, I too hope they make it. We need the old names, the old history to come back. For we have a generation who asks me often “Triumph, does Honda make them?” To them Honda is an old name, going back to the 40’s. Did they really ride back then? So I advise these new companies to take the example of Harley and Triumph, and stay true to your roots. Don’t try to be what you aren’t, just ask Eric Buell, raped by Harley. but now thriving again on his own, you can’t keep a good man, or his bike down. So maybe what we ride tells us more about ourselves and who we are than we think. I ride a Triumph, you go figure.

Funny thing about revival, you can only revive something that was once alive. Resurrection only works on the dead. And that was what all were before we came to Christ-dead, in sin. it took a savior, Jesus to save us. Not religion, not chanting, not more rules, or legalism. We don’t need more religious types to show us the way, we needed Jesus. So that is exactly what God did, He resurrected Him. History, even outside of the Bible tells us of Him, He is an historical fact. Birth and death. But it is His resurrection that throws people off, that they find hard to believe. Yet the same people that have enough faith to push a starter button, not knowing how it works, don’t have enough faith to believe that Jesus is God! I guess over 700 prophecies fulfilled about Him isn’t enough, they want proof. And Jesus provides it via faith. Sometimes backed up by actions, the proof of faith. I had a customer once who was a bitter, beligerant gay man. Who hated the fact I was a Christian, and was looking to vent on me. I was the one who would take his wrath for all those who deny Christ, because I don’t. I must be weak, for all Christians are. Wrong again. And when he got in my face, and physically threatened me, and could not be removed from the lot, I confronted him. Surprising him, as we all know Jesus was a weakling, or so the story goes. When he started attacking my Jesus, I got toe to toe with him, and told him, “when you leave here today, make sure you tell people that Jesus Christ saved your life. For if I wasn’t a Christian, I would have flattened you!” And he left, not saying a word. My boss just standing there watching. You see, Jesus Christ does save lives. Sometimes He just uses us to remind others.

You see there is still power in that name. But only when used properly. That wasn’t about me, although it could have been, but I cared that day for that man to see Jesus, and I still do today. Be angry and sin not, we are told. Tough to do. But it took a tough man to hang on a cross for six hours, to love us when we were and are unlovable. To ask His Father, “do not hold their sin against them, for they know no what they do.” Fortunately I wasn’t alone that day, I had Jesus with me. And there is still power in that name. Power that saves, and heals, and changes lives. And that day, it saved both of us. Me from a possible battery charge and jail, him from a stay in the hospital. Only Jesus can do that, don’t attempt that trick alone.

You see there are old names, resurrected names, and new names trying to take advantage of a reputation. But there is no other name at which all will bow to some day. Whether in heaven or hell, we will all bow to Jesus. I choose to now, I know I can use the practice. And if you are what you ride, then you certainly are who you believe in. Jesus Christ, more than just a resurrected name, He is who He said He was. It doesn’t take a graveyard for resurrection to work, only something dead, that is seeking life. And only found in Jesus. There is truly power in His name, but it takes Him to stand behind it. Why live on just His reputation when you can be making one with Him today? Not bad for man who never ran an ad, or a marketing campaign? There are names, and there are names. Bow now and avoid the rush. Now there is a name I am glad to rights to! Not bad for a 2000 year old model!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

heaven-it's not what you think

Although Tom and I had worked together for 8 years, we never really got to know each other. We both knew Jesus, and that and Coca Cola were all we had in common. But when I lost my job, he invited us over for diner that Saturday night before I took off to start our new life in California. Losing a job can be can be a life shattering experience, but Tom was faced with even more challenges. Kevin, his only son, 12 years old, had bone cancer, and had had a leg amputated. But Kevin was full of life, and had fooled more than one person into answering the door when knocking on his plastic leg. And that night he was pushing my kids around in his wheelchair, doing what he did best, being a kid. I never saw Kevin again, and an early morning phone call from Tom was the last I talked with him. Kevin was in the hospital, the cancer had spread throughout his whole body, and he was facing death. The family knew it, but the day before he died, Kevin was overjoyed. He kept telling everyone “I’m going home, I ‘m going home...”which they didn’t get at first, for they knew the cancer was fatal. He would never leave the hospital. It was only after he died, that Tom and Rosie knew what he meant-he was going home to heaven. To be with Jesus. And Tom called me to share that. Now when Kevin had his leg amputated, Rosie lost her sight, which she regained after Kevin died. She never go to see her son without both legs-God had spared her that.

A few days before Lee died, I asked him if he was afraid of death. “No,” he answered, “just worried about who would take care of Sue,” his wife. I asked him, “who is taking care of them now?” and that big old Lee smile covered his face-he knew that Jesus was, did , and would. No words needed, because there weren’t any. The peace filled the room.

Today marks five years since Laiken died. And although I have some great memories of her, I realized I had never seen her well. In fact, almost all of our times spent together were in hospitals. I never got to know the Liaken as cheerleader, or riding her bike. Or just being a kid, I saw her through isolation walls, and plastic gloves. I saw her much like Kevin, with joy that I can’t put into words, for there aren’t any. I see a smile that fills the room, and a little hand always reaching out to me, a little girl who now is home, just like Kevin, and Lee, and others who call Jesus Lord. And tonight Stacey is having another get together to remember her, the first one I will miss. But I won’t miss Laiken, and I won’t miss Stacey and Jim, or Abigail either. I will miss being there, watching as Abigail grows up, as Laiken’s friends are graduating from high school, meeting boys, and getting on with life. And while it may seem she was robbed of all these things, she is with Jesus before all of us, which when we get there will make us look at things differently-on earth as it is in heaven. Fortunately not in heaven as it is on earth. She went right to the front to line, with Kevin and Lee.They have placed their trust in Jesus, and they will be in my thoughts and prayers all day, as they often are, no date or day needed to remember Laiken. Only time that will pass until we see God face to face in heaven, and our friends will be there. It may seem like eternity until we get there, it will take eternity to give thanks.

But heaven is not what you think. “Eye has not seen,” scripture tells us, so any pictures, drawings, or ideas it’s not. “Ear has not heard,” it goes on, for no one can tell you about it. Ask Moses when you see him, how do you describe an infinite God using finite words? “Nor mind imagined,” whatever your wildest dream of heaven is, it falls short, it is far better than you can even dream or imagine. So don’t try. Just look forward to it. And encourage others in it. When I was sick this last summer, I spent time with Jesus, in the spirit. I cannot tell you if I saw heaven, but all I could see was Jesus. And I cannot describe it-or Him. For there are no words to describe an infinite God to an infinite world. It goes way beyond feeling, and the peace is indescribable. The best words are God’s, from the fruit of he spirit. LOVE-not an emotion, but the person of God. In His presence. And He is here now, giving us life until we enter into eternal life. My feelings have been know t let me down, aren’t you glad that God is more than an emotion? JOY-His presence, not the absence of pain, with us through the trials. With us on our journey back home. And PEACE-not a situation, He is our peace. The Prince of Peace. A person. So get to know the person if you want any glimpses of heaven. As for me, the only way I can describe it is, “I want to go back.” So when I meet others who ask, “aren’t you glad you’re not dead?” I answer “NO.” For I want to go back, to be with Jesus. But I am also thankful I am here for now, to encourage others. To be where God wants me. And I know that Kevin, Laiken, and Lee would say the same. Somewhere I can see Kevin pushing Laiken in that wheelchair, laughing and carrying on with Lee watching. Smiling. And God smiling too, telling us all is good, all is well with their souls. Heaven will be fun, not because we will be there, but because Jesus is there. Much better than I could ever imagine.

So take comfort in the words King David did, when told of the death of his son Absolom. “He cannot come to me, but I can go to him.” And we know this to be true, because God sent Jesus to be with us, so we can. So look forward to heaven in all you do, just as the example Jesus gave His disciples, “On earth, as it is in heaven.” Not the opposite that we try to make it. The only things I desire of earth in heaven are my family and friends. You can keep the rest. I want to go back, for you see heaven-it’s not what you think! It’s even better!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

with ten miles behind me and 10,000 more to go

James Taylor and his wonderful voice burst onto the scene while I was in high school. With hit after hit, and beautiful lyrics, some of us who were hard core rock fans were drawn to him. His songs seemed to work better on the stereo when having a girl over than Radar Love. Somehow the lyric “been drivin’ all night my hands wet on the wheel...” never inspired a hugging and kissing scenario for me, although this song would drive Por Favor nuts. To each his own. Then he went and married Carly Simon, and her album with her blue sweater drove many the adolescent boys crazy. This guy had it made, music, fame, and Carly. But there was always one line in Sweet Baby James that has stuck with me through the years, “with ten miles behind me, and ten thousand more to go...there’s a song that they sing when they take to the highway..” And when leaving town on every long trip, I sing this to myself when first hitting the highway. For it always seems to be a highway that leads me out of town to wherever I may end up, with the road the real destination. And just as all journeys begin with the first step, all rides begin with the first mile. Also with an anxiety, an unbelievable sense of I am free to do and go wherever I want for the next 14-37 days. It is just me and my wife and the motorcycle-let’s see how far our dreams can take us. And for the past ten years they have taken us to 48 states and Canada-all on two wheels. Some trips shorter than others, the longest 37 days, 31 states, and over 11,000 miles. From deserts to amber waves of grain with purple mountain’s majesties separating them, it seems no end to the roads and the memories that we set out on. But as many miles as we have ridden, and all the places we have seen, the map is still covered with roads we have yet to try, to places we have yet to visit, and people we have yet to meet. With 10,000 more to go...

The first ten miles are often the toughest, as you go through the mental check of all the things you needed to do so you can leave. Cat and dog taken care of, mail stopped, neighbors watching the home...did I forget anything? And as the miles add up, the cares get left behind, anything will have to wait until we return. The road is our home now, and every night a new bed awaits us, promising a good night’s rest, a time to review the ride of the day, and plan for the next day’s. Home will be wherever we rest that night, and 10,000 more to go. And it seems that this freedom is best explored on two wheels, with a best friend. Over the years I have ridden cross country with groups, with a friend, and also alone. I prefer alone, with just Theresa, the old rule you only go as fast as the slowest rider applying here. We go our own pace, and there have been times 250 miles took all day, while other times riding 600 miles to a destination, had us on the road for another 250 after an early dinner. The road has become a home, and a destination to us, a place we feel most comfortable on, a place that takes us places greater than our imaginations, and memories stirred years later when looking at the pictures. But 10,000 miles? A dream to some, a curse to others, so we ride alone.

The Greeks felt that 10,000 was the largest number possible. Infinity to us, and we find in scripture 10,000 referred to many times in the New Testament. Speaking of God’s riches for us. And it seems every time we are blessed, we have to rest, soaking it all in. No way He could ever surpass that, but we have learned that only God can, and will, and does. We have taken the scripture to heart, He gives you the desire of your heart, He plants it there, and then fulfills it. Ten thousand of them! And so I often look back and thank the Lord for all He has done, sometimes exhausting my dreams, and realizing that I have only travelled 10 miles with God, and I have 10,000 more to go. Heaven is infinite, 10,000 times 10,000, all with the Lord. But it takes a first step, the first ten miles, and Jesus is the way. As a new Christian things all seem new, and we are told how wonderful it all is, and sometimes how good things will be. And then trouble hits, and many turn back, or away. Just a short trip with Jesus, with so much more to go. They don’t trust their riding partner of life, and stay within a local range, never seeing what lies over the hill, in the canyon, or past the fields. They turn back just as the roads get challenging, missing the blessing of riding them, and seeing God getting them through. Missing out on life’s ride with Jesus, or worse yet, leaving Him behind when they do, planning to the exact mile their trip, never leaving home, and never seeing the blessings God has for them. Ten miles behind them is all their ride, for their journey is seen through their own eyes, instead of God’s.

To those who believe, I urge them to take to the highway, just as James sang on Country Roads. Not just escaping the urban blight to a more bucolic road, but the whole country. Wake up in another time zone, eat a local specialty for breakfast, watch a travel show and say “I’ve been there.” But James also sings, “sail on home to Jesus..” and that is what really makes the trip. Without Jesus they are just roads, with Him they are destinations. Places to go until we meet in heaven, where ten miles is just a stroll, and 10,000 is an afternoon’s ride. God has endless blessings for us, we just need to trust Him. We don’t know what tomorrow will bring sometimes because we don’t know where we will be tonight, or tomorrow. Start your ride with Jesus today, take to the highway won’t you good girls and boys. Jesus spent most of His ministry on the road, could He have been a biker at heart? Laying the groundwork for us today? You’ll nevr know until you do, with ten miles behind me, and 10,000 more to go, make it one with Him. And each night a special destination planned for you. But you will never know all the blessings until you get out and go with Him. And at the end of each day, you’ll know where you are supposed to be, promising a good night’s rest. Like the ad says, “He’ll leave the light on for you.” For when we’ve been there 10,000 years, there will be no less days to sing God’s praise. Now that’s a ride I don’t want to miss. Like the sign on our front door says, “we ride, therefore we aren’t here.” Reminds me of an empty tomb, maybe there is more to Jesus and riding than you think!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

roads, rides, and the ones who ride them

The bumper sticker read “Those of you who think you know everything upsets those of us who do.” To which I say amen, quietly of course where no one can hear me, for I have found that the more I learn, the more I don’t know. And I have real life experiences to prove it. Years ago BH wanted to race from 60 to top speed with his CB750, with some engine work, against my R90S. I smoked him, but against Bouke and his Yoshimura Z-1, too many times I chased his tail lights until they disappeared. A lesson for both of us. When Chuck got back into riding, he bought a Heritage Soft Tail, bragging to me how fast and smooth it was. Until he rode my Sprint RS, and told me that now he understood why I can ride faster than him. I don’t know any real biker who has never gone 100 mph, but I have gone 100 miles in one hour. Twice. Fast, but yet when Mickey told me about riding back to the shop from Havasu in 2 1/2 hours, that’s 300 miles, and that he averaged 120, I believed him. I know the bike, having put thousands on the same Sprint GT as him, I know the roads, and I know Mick. He didn’t set the cruise at 120, there are places 80 is fast, and places 155 begs for more. 120 was just an average ride that day.

I was so impressed with the Street Triple when it came out, I bought one. Fast, light, quick, and with great handling, I can see why the magazines love it. Then the next year the R model came out, better in all ways, if only I had waited a year. For you see, no matter how many roads you ride, you always find new ones to excite and invite you. No matter how fast you have been, there is always the legendary 150 mph Sportster out there, and no matter how many bikes you have ridden, they keep coming out with new and improved ones each year. What’s a biker to do? Simple advice dictates, let’s ride! And to you who think you have ridden every road, or every bike, who think you have gone fast, or far, it upsets those of us who have ridden more roads, more bikes, gone faster and farther. And so we invite you along for the ride. Follow us to more rides than you ever thought possible, and then have others follow you. If they can keep up with you, but then can you keep up with us? Lately the blank expression from those who ride is when they ask where we went on Easter Break. Central California, and they think Bakersfield and Fresno-you may yawn now. But I mention Exeter, and the expression is one of huh? We found it on a trip from Springville-now I got ‘em. Maybe. But when I mention the Carrizo Plain, to many if it ain’t I-5 they’re lost. And dirt roads ain’t I-5, although some in LA may have you thinking the opposite. So to those of you who have ridden everywhere, have you ridden the Snake? And tell me, what roads can you introduce me to? I’ll do my best to keep up, I’m not Mickey fast anymore.

The gospel and its simplicity continues to amaze me. While others seek more meaning from life, I tend to seek more of the one who gives life. Better roads, more curves, and more excitement, with just enough straight and narrow to make me want more of the Lord. But how do you find this road, this God, how will you know? Did you know that before you became a Christian God went out seeking you? His Holy Spirit was with you were in bars, in jail, and in trouble. At speeds faster than the cops caught you at, He was hanging onto you, not for the ride, but to give you the ride of your life. He was following you, daily reminding you of your need for a Savior, for Jesus. And then a remarkable thing happened, you decided to follow Jesus. And the ride of life just got better. Maybe not smoother, but now you had a real suspension to handle the curves and bumps. You had a seat that could go for miles, and a God who wouldn’t ride too fast you couldn’t keep up, or one that went off and left you. He doesn’t putz along so that you look for ways to get off and lose Him. But there are times that we ride off and leave Him. Aren’t you glad that Jesus never leaves you, or forsakes you? On an unknown road, He knows the way home. Detour! He knows an escape route. Bored, He will give you excitement, and hot and tired, He will provide rest. You never travel alone with Jesus. The important thing is you let Him lead, that you follow. Or to put it simple enough for a bumper sticker, “when you were lost He followed you, when you are saved you follow Him.” The gospel in 14 words. More time for riding.

You may never ride as fast as Mickey, or as far as me. You may be faster and have more endurance. But remember who to follow, Jesus. Those of you who think you know everything, wise up, get to know Jesus who does. And is happy to enlighten you, maybe even change you. Make you a better rider, take you farther than you have gone, and on better bikes. Follow Him, He not only knows the way, He is the way! But you will never know until you invite Him along. Start the ride with Him today. You may even find the Carrizo Plain, the Snake, Highway 33 in Wisconsin, Route 32 in Pennsylvania, and CA 166. Or the back way from Springville to Exeter. Great roads, and like great roads and rides, they must be shared. Not all roads lead to familiar places, but they all lead somewhere. Sometimes the road is the best destination, to people and places you find along the way. Who you follow is your decision. The road you take is up to you. The best roads and rides never happen by accident, neither is meeting Christ. He has been waiting for you patiently-why waste time arguing when you could be riding? With Him! The more I get to know Jesus, the more I want to know Him. Increase your average ride today. The God I serve is way above average. Consider this an invitation along for the ride.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com.

don't grow up today

"Mom do we have to come in?” we used to cry as kids. “Can’t we stay out and play some more? Just one more inning?” And of course the answer was usually no, for this was not her first attempt, but her final at getting us in for dinner, or to go to bed. “Can’t we stay out at least until it gets dark?” And still it would take more than another request until someone else’s mother, then their father called us in from the dark. We were kids, and our main purpose in life was to play, and we spent all our waking moments trying to fulfill our obligations to it. But unimportant things like school, homework, dinner, and more homework were daily deterrents to achieving this goal. So any excuse was a good excuse to want to stay out and play more. And the games we played were simple. All it took was two gloves and a ball to play catch. Add a third and we could play three way catch-not as much fun, or running bases. Still simple enough, and fun. For football all it took was a ball, and two people. Add a third and one would play defense-just like the pros. Not enough kids for two teams in kickball, there was always flies up. And if an older brother wanted to get involved, many summer nights were spent shagging fly balls until it got too dark to see. All games that required two or three people, a ball, maybe a glove, and the desire to have fun. We had no need to be entertained, we entertained ourselves. Again, we had fun, and came home tired, dirty, sweaty, and sometimes scraped up after contact with the pavement. We were kids, did we really have to grow up?

Remember when a neighbor got a new TV, or a refrigerator? “Can we have the box?” we would ask, and soon the empty box that sat in the front yard to announce to the neighborhood of their recent big purchase was dragged down to ours, and turned into a fort for playing cowboys and Indians. Or a pillbox to defeat the Nazis playing war, and even a spaceship for going where no man had gone before. It could become a race car, the possibilities endless, with only our child like imaginations limiting our fun. Sometimes a simple stick could make a serious rifle, a bigger stick a BAR. How many of us survived nearly putting an eye out playing with them a swords? And when it came to bikes, how many future collectible baseball cards gave up their collectability to serve as noise for the spokes? Making us sound like a real motorcycle, the faster we went, the louder, just like the real motorcycle most of us had never heard. Performing gravity, and death defying leaps from the sidewalk curbs, we went 100mph in our minds. Add a little gravel, and we were soon skidding sideways, wearing out our rear tires, long after we would run out of baseball cards. “Do we have to come in? Can we stay out until dark? PLEEZ!” And off to the bathtub we would go, then to bed. Exhausted, maybe a bit scraped up, and we slept well-dreaming of the next neighbor and their new TV so we had a box to play in, or the next afternoon after school, when all the stress of study released us to the world of play once again.

Being home in the afternoons I miss the sound of kids playing. We have kids in the neighborhood, but it seems that organized activities are now the norm. Playing in safe environments, with no chance to play in boxes, they are responsibly recycled, to stay out until dark, or to add horsepower to their bikes via baseball cards. Now we save them, they may be collectible some day. Bikes are not left in the driveway with fear of Dad backing over them, but locked up behind locked doors. And all the fun we had outside is now inside, where kids play video baseball, with the sound of crowds coming from the Playstation. They are Ivan Stewart jumping their truck on a big screen TV, no way you could ever play in the box that came in. And if more than two or three boys are out playing catch, someone gets nervous and may call the police-what are those boys doing? Are they a gang? Better keep an eye on them. But soon some mother, if she happens to be home, and not at work, is hit with the question,”do we have to go out? Can’t we stay in and finish our video game?” Why, we might even get our Nike Airs dirty! Remember when no one wanted their shoes to look like new? And as Mom sets the timer, and your friend’s mom comes to get him, no one rides home a few blocks anymore, you wonder why kids are so unhappy? Why do they dropout, when maybe they are forced out? School grounds locked, guards in the hall, and signs saying “NO TRESPASSING!” everywhere. So they retreat to the confines of their room, just them and a video game-no gloves, balls, or bikes to be had. Don’t get sweaty, and please don’t get dirty. Germs are everywhere. And fun isn’t.

So I like simple, and still do. A chance to exercise the body and mind. To go places we want, as opposed to being controlled. And sadly, most of this is about control. Not having to deal with the responsibility of raising kids, just sending them off. With others to leagues, teams, and other scheduled activities so we know where they are. So we can go out and play. Showing off our new Nikes, to the others at the juice bar at the gym. No kids allowed, just fun sucking adults. Would someone please buy a new refrigerator just so the rest of us can have a space ship to play in? Can I buy one of your collectable cards, just to add some horsepower to my spinning bike? Can I please go out after school? Until dark?

The gospel is simple, so people like me can get it. Man sinned, Jesus came to save us. He died on the cross, then went to heaven, leaving an empty tomb. And if we believe with our heart, and confess with our mouth He is God, we can too. One to one gospel, straight to the point. All Jesus and no filler. Yet the church, us, has decided over its history to make things more difficult. Like a country club, it has excluded those it feels are not worthy. Don’t dress right, or aren’t religious enough. When you get as good as us, then you can come in, and maybe join. If you’ll agree to tithe. So we all can see how much you give, so we know how religious you really are. After all we have standards...And do you really wonder why some say no when invited to church? When Jesus warns of the rich man getting prominence in his seating, yet all week tries to do the poor guy in by his laws? So many religions keep their flock under control, just like their children, can’t let them explore Jesus for themselves. That old time religion, it was good enough for Brother So and So...it’s good enough for me. Yet neglect how unhappy Brother S and S was, how hard it was keeping up with all the rules, and making sure he never missed a meeting. And then along comes Jesus...

Promising freedom in the spirit, and upsetting the religious types. Showing love rather than demanding it, He hung with hookers, junkies, and even bikers. But also with kids, because kids are cool, and still had a desire for life. They have imaginations, dreams, and desires not yet squashed by the world. They have faith, and want to know the truth? Will you parent show them? Can’t they stay out and play one more hour? Yet those in control, who seek to control, are really out of control. They wouldn’t know what to do with baseball cards and a bike. Playdough, I might get my hands dirty. Drawing, without a laptop? Dad, can you put down your cell, I have some questions. Who is this Jesus they talk of? Why can’t I go to church with my friends? They let me play, and be a kid...I am a kid right?

So we are to come to Jesus as children. Seeking Him, and not more rules. Not more controlled activities. Maybe just a couple of kids out playing catch. With Jesus. One to one, just the thing we fear most. For there is a safety in a crowd, and more to blame when we don’t get our way. Long after our words are forgotten our actions will be remembered. Spend time with your kids today. Let them be kids-it’s hard enough without your help. Play out on the field, maybe get dirty. wind up the Schwinn and pedal your heart out, come home tired and dirty. And happy. Be a kid. Jesus was one once too. He remembers, and wants you to be one too. In Him. And you just may find you get to go to church, rather than having to. “Mom, can I go Wednesday night?” And if you happen to see an empty box out front, even better. It makes a great space ship, race car, fort, or even an empty tomb. Jesus loves the little children, we never get old if our hearts stay young. He was fun long before entertainment. Don’t grow up today.

Or to quote Dennis the Menace, “not a bad party, I busted two balloons and a window.” Life is for the living.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

while waiting patiently for the light to change

Cool is not something that can be defined. It is sorta like demanding patience-right now! Or bragging about how modest you are. Once you verbalize it, or tell someone how cool you are-you aren’t. Cool goes far beyond anything tangible, it comes from deep inside, but can be manifested in the physical. For instance, Christopher and I are sitting at a light on out Bonnevilles, where right in front of us is a new one, with the paper plates still on it. Shiny and beautiful-the bike, the rider thinks he is too, as he is shiny in his new leathers, and exercising his wrist waiting for the light to change. People in cars are looking, as they do at Bonnevilles, and this guy is digging it. The light turns green, and he takes off, and half way through the intersection, the bike bogs down, and wants to quit, starving for fuel. As I pull up next to him, I point at his petcock, and he gives me a blank look. As he pulls over, I pull next to him, reach over and turn his fuel on, and the bike stumbles to life. As it does, we ride off, watching as this rookie mistake has taken all the cool out of his ride. No shiny leathers, not even his cool bike could cover for his rookie mistake. He may return to being cool again some day, but for now anyone who has seen him, or hears of him, knows how uncool he really is. We have all been there, and it seems the bigger the crowd, the bigger the embarrassment. Funny how one simple twist of his left wrist, turning on the gas, had such a profound effect on the twist of his throttle wrist. A lesson he probably will never forget, and if accused will deny. But we know-because we were there. And also because at one time or another, he was us.

Now if he had just turned it on himself, and rode on, that would have been cool. Blame it on the new bike, or the dealer, but when a fellow biker has to do it, that ‘s just not cool. You cannot teach experience, you have to experience it for yourself. Just like cool cannot be described, either you have it or you don’t, grace works the same way. You cannot describe grace, it is something that must be experienced. First hand. And walking in the spirit is the same. I don’t always realize when I am walking in the spirit, but like the man losing his cool, I know when I am not in it. Grace works the same. I can see the grace of God when I trust Him, and let Him lead me, but when I make one wrong turn, grace goes on, without me. But fortunately God’s mercies don’t, and they beckon me back to the right course. Sometimes as simple as turning on the gas, when I repent and turn back to Jesus, the ride continues. But sometimes it takes some time spent on the side of the road, before God can get your attention. It may take a call for help, or to a friend, but grace is not an isolated event. Or experience. It takes two-you and Jesus. Getting your eyes off you, and onto Him. Alone it ain’t grace. But God is always there to offer it, it is up to us to take it.

After Jesus was crucified, He appeared to some men fishing, Peter among them. At the fire, after he had recognized Jesus, Jesus asked him three times, “do you love me?” The same number of times, Peter who did, and does, denied Him. Jesus didn’t deny him, although Peter had denied Jesus. He forgave him, showing mercy and grace. Giving Him an assignment, to take the gospel to the lost. Now that’s cool. Because Jesus is cool. And both He and Peter had a special time together. So special it is recorded in the Bible for others to see. And learn from.

You may be stumbling along today, out of gas, or maybe with it turned off. Things you cannot do alone will face you. It takes Jesus to get through the day, and He is always available. His mercies go with you down the wrong road, just waiting to be asked the direction back. He is the way! Not sown on any map. He is also very cool, not revealing your sin to anyone else, and once it is confessed, He forgets it. But somehow allows us to remember, so we don’t leave the gas off again. But when we do, He is there again to help. If only riding were so simple.

So Jesus is cool. So cool He defeated death. So cool He rose again. So cool He offers it to you. He calls it love. And He is patient-right now! Waiting for you to come to Him. And He never brags on Himself, but always points to His Father in heaven. Way cool. Cool is a lot more than just escaping the flames of hell, cool is a person. Peter found that out, way before cool was popular. Now you do. The question is, how cool are you? Trust Jesus, for without Him you’ll never know. But somehow those around you will know you aren’t. He is waiting patiently for you. What will you do when the light turns green?

Cool? or ....

You did remember to cancel your turn signals after the turn, didn’t you?

be cool, love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com