congratulations! you made the team

Summer evenings after dinner on Algonquin Drive meant kickball games.  While during the day we would play in front of Kenny Corsi’s house and dodge the traffic, after dinner it was at the circle at the end of the street.  Which had some peculiar ground rules, like a home run was anything on the grass, except for right field, Richie’s house was there, and if the ball went over the fence, it was game over if no one home, and the dog was left alone-the biggest German Shepherd any kid had ever seen.  Left field was out of bounds as the family was nice, but asked us not to hit their car, a 1958 Chevy Impala, just an old car back then.  The sewer drain was second base, chalk or the end of a parked car was first and third, and home was the man hole cover.  Simple enough any ten year old would get it.  Choosing team captains was easy, whoever brought the ball that night was one, with exceptions, and the other bigger kid was the other.  We would choose up teams, and there was always one or two kids that came with a penalty.  Take him and we’ll spot you a few runs, or give you an extra out.  They would usually play right field by the dog behind the fence, where no one would kick the ball.  They always were last in the order, and if not paying attention, we hoped, would get skipped over, and called an automatic out, which they would be anyway.  But sometimes luck would hit, and they would manage to kick the ball after everyone had moved way in, and get on base.  With bragging rights when they got home that night.   And the games went on until some mother sent your father to get you, we could see amazingly well in the dark, and we could see the headlights of any car even if they couldn’t see us.  But no matter how good or bad, you went home a winner, or a loser, only to start all over again tomorrow night.  And even if you were the last picked, negotiated for, or made an automatic out, you had  made the team, and your mom was so proud of you.  While your dad was just glad you survived another night with the bigger kids.

How moms and dads would look at your sports career would influence me later when coaching football.  There were always some who just shouldn’t be on the team, and I had the kids from the rich school one year.  The other kids dads worked for them, and was warned if we lost, I was in trouble.  The first two games we won, but got wasted bad in the third.  And as I approached practice, I remembered the warning, but was greeted with something completely different.  I had mothers with their kids in full uniform coming to apologize for not winning.  It wasn’t my fault, it was their sons, and they would play harder, and they were sorry.  I met them somewhere between humbled and humiliated, and we grew as a team, gaining a whole new respect for those who weren’t as good, who by passed their husbands and came right to the coach.  Maybe they had been the last picked, or overlooked, but they wanted their kids to win as much as anyone, to be on the team was not enough.  They wanted them to be heroes, and winners, how could I ever let them down?

Pride gives us social order via finances, size, length of time saved, and kickball ability.  Jesus taught in the parable of how the last men hired were paid the same as he first ones hired.  The first hired had worked more, longer, but got the same pay.  And it didn’t seem right, but when explained it made perfect sense.  He always did.  When you are in, you are in.  You get all the benefits offered regardless of time served, He was showing heaven was like that, or better yet, the Kingdom of God.  No favorites there, He loves us as we are, even if we are that automatic out.  And He makes ways for us that the talented don’t have, for we are all just as important to Him.  Richer, use your riches for God.  Stronger, fight for the Kingdom as directed.  Newly saved, stay as excited, reminding those old timers how exciting it really is, and how they have forgotten that.  Even the last ones picked will go to heaven, congratulations!  You made the team!

Every night we had different teams, and the best ones didn’t always win.  They got lazy, ignored the last one picked, or went home crying when the ball went over the fence.  Maybe their Mom called them home early, and the team had to play without them, or maybe it rained, or maybe...I think you get it.  But the last one picked, the least of them, was just glad to be on a team.  And went home every night a winner for just being in the game.  Some would get better, some would bring their own ball, allowing for a rules change-“he could never be captain,” but even though picked last, they never went home early.  No matter the score, or no matter how dark it got.  They played every inning as if it were their last, not knowing all the rules, or even the score, but playing just as hard, because they were on the team.

Those summer evening kickball games were life to us.  And the lessons learned were more important than the scores.  Kids would come and go out of the neighborhood, some leaving as they hit Jr. High, where kickball was uncool, or some new kid moving in, being picked last, and having to earn his way onto the circle via kickball skills.  With Jesus, once you are on the team, you are there forever.  Old age, Jr. High, girls, cars, and even motorcycles will not get you off the team.  You are that important to Him, no matter your situation.  And when He is your situation, you are always on the winning team.  Remember that next time someone kicks the ball out of bounds, or misses a catch, or drops the ball.  Next time it could be you, and if you are, or were that last kid picked, welcome to the team.  Congratulations-you made the team!  You have all power and privileges of the best All Star.  And when that All Star is Jesus, you have it all.  And you thought kickball was just a game...oh and no spinners allowed!

love with compassion,

Mike

mathew25biker.blogspot.com

congratulations! you made the team

cars we remember-red convertibles in a sedan world

Sometimes things happen right in front of us, and we fail to notice.  Take TV cars for instance, we all know about Jim Rockford’s Firebirds, Sonny Crockett’s GTB 365S, Rico Tubb’s 1963 Cadillac, and Todd and Buzz’s 1960 Corvette, later a 1963 when it was Todd and Linc.  We remember the Monkeesmobile, the Munster’s car, and JR’s 450SEL.  Iconic, and the cars fit the person, or was it the person that fit the car?  If you are old enough you remember Dan Mathews and his 1955 Buick Century, and the rest of Highway Patrol driving big Mercury’s.  Lois Lane drove a Nash Rambler.  But do you recall Mr. Kent’s Nash Healey with the cool sliding doors?  Charlie’s Angel’s drove Pintos and Mustang II’s, how cool were they, if you even noticed the cars?  They too were fashion statements.  How about Frank Cannon’s Lincoln Marks?  We all know what Starsky drove, but what did Hutch drive?  Max Smart in his Sunbeam Tiger, Magnum’s Ferrari and General Lee of those Duke boys?  Remember BA’s GMC van?  But how many remember cars that were not part of the show?  Beaver’s dad, Ward old man, drove a 1957 Ford the first year, then moved up to Plymouths.  The Sherriff of Mayberry and his deputy drove a succession of Fords, complete with whip antenna and bubble gum machine on the roof.  The Brady’s drove Plymouth station wagons, until Mr. B got cool with a 1969 convertible.  And Mr. B, as in Baxter, drove Fords to work keeping Hazel busy at home.  Perry Mason drove a 1957 Skyliner, the retractable Ford, then moved on to Cadillacs.  Paul Drake always had a T Bird, top down in LA.  The Faceman had a Corvette with a Starsky style stripe.  Adam 12 drove AMC Matadors after the LAPD changed from Plymouths.  Even Aunt Bee drove a 1956 Ford Sunliner, top down.  Miss Ellie and her Rabbit Cabriolet, cool, but Lucy I her 924 Porsche-yuk.  Jock Ewing always drove a Mark, and could afford the gas. 

Steve Douglas always drove whatever GM was sponsoring, mostly Chevy wagons, but Mike had this cool hot rod.  Lumpy had a ‘40 Ford convertible with glass packs.  Joe Mannix drove some cool Chrysler products while solving crime.  Amos Burke drove a Rolls, while the Partridge Family drove a bus.  Major Nelson drove a GTO, thanks Jeanie, and Toody and Muldoon drove Plymouth police cars-OOH OOH!  Lamont Sanford drove that cool old ‘52 Ford pickup, while station 51 seemed to be in a Dodge, set up as an emergency vehicle.  So it goes without saying that cars may not always be the stars, but help us remember.  Identifying a place in time, a person, and memories.  So many shows I cannot remember the actors, but I can the cars.  Did you know Darrin Stevens always drove Chevies?  And in 1965, along with Bonanza, did a five minute commercial of all the models?  Adam drove a red 1965 Vette down the streets of Virginia City, followed by his brothers, and life was never the same at the Ponderosa.  More horsepower please, you can keep the horses.  And even Samantha, the first time I ever heard that name, drove cool Camaros.  Just twitch her nose, and instantly a sunny day with the top down.  But what about all the sedans in the background, cars that went over cliffs, off piers, and into the bay, that got no recognition?  Do we only remember them as a walk on part, a needed stand in for the real stars, or were they just there when needed?

At church many times we always hear about the big miracles, about the stars getting healed, or a celebrity coming to the Lord.  Makes better press, if that is what you are after.  But what about when you came to the Lord?  Was your wife excited?  Did she even care?  What did your parents think?  Did they have a big party for you?  Did someone stand up in church and announce the good news, just to embarrass you?  Probably not, for most of us it was personal, and private.  We may not have gone forward at a Billy Graham Crusade, or even at a church service.  We just quietly accepted Jesus into our hearts, and it was no big deal.  Except to the angels in heaven, and to God.  ALL the angels rejoiced when you finally said yes to Jesus, and they continue on today as others come to the Lord.  And it is important to God, seeing His patience rewarded, and your name written in His Book of Life.  Written by His hand, not typed like I am.  No credit at the end of the show, “vehicles supplied by,” as the credits speed past, but you are truly recognized and loved.  And we all can’t be the standout, and so many times I am glad I am not.  Celebrity can get between you and God, I have found it easier to sit in the back and learn than to be up front and be part of the action.  I have found that I can work better in the background where God gets all the credit, and I get all the blessings.  So to all of you who think you labor in vain, you aren’t.  God is watching, He even tells us that if you get your recognition here, you may not get the blessing in heaven.  So often we look for man to reward us, when God has a much better reward just waiting for us when we get home.  Why buy a store bought cookie when Beaver’s mom has them waiting hot from the oven?  So many things we remember, then forget, God doesn’t, He records all your good deeds in His book, but forgets your bad ones, the sins.  No blooper show in heaven, just the facts, Mam, great facts.  Many unknown to others, but not missed by God.  Remember that today as you go, kindness and goodness are fruit of the spirit.  Give water to those thirsty, feed hungry, clothe the poor.  Welcome the stranger among you, it just may be an angel God sent to bless you.  That old 4 door sedan may just be what God knows you need, as you pass the red convertible that just passed you at 120, signing autographs for the traffic cop.

Long after you read this, you will forget it.  You will forget me, that’s OK.  It’s normal.  But don’t forget Jesus, and His words, and what He did on the cross.  Somethings are worth keeping, and hanging onto, not trading in every year for the new model.  What you drive tells us a lot about you, who you believe in tells us more.  What are you telling people?  What is your life saying about the Jesus in you?  We may not remember your words, but just like your car we will remember your actions.  Aren’t you glad God doesn’t?  Quick, what did Fred Flintstone drive?  See?  Did you know that Crockett’s GTB was really a Corvette with a plastic body?  God did!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

if Columbus had never returned

A young Christopher Columbus had a dream, a vision that he could sail to the westby going east  As fanatical as it may have sounded, think of the wording, he wanted to attempt the voyage purely based on his dream, but found no takers, financial or other in his home land of Italy.  So travellinwst to Spain, he found a sympathetic, and willing backer in Queen Isabella of Spain, who would finance the entire journey, based on the promise of riches, and of dominating an eastern sea route to the west.  At the time, it was believed the world was flat, and no way could it be circumnavigated, and Chris was labeled a heretic, going against church belief and doctrine, and most thought him attempting a suicidal trip, one that would claim his life and his crews.  But Queen Izzy thought it worth the risk, we are not told if she believed the world round or not, but was willing to wager three ships, the Nina, Pinta, and Santa Maria, plus their crews to find out.  You better be right Chris, your life depended on it, but more importantly your reputation.  So setting out without a route, the Atlantic was unexplored, once outside the Mediterranean the edge lies looming, and with no time frame, and no agenda other than to find a trip to the East, he headed out.  What if the world was flat?  What if he had discovered the edge instead of a new trade route?  What if he found something else?  And what if he never returned to answer all these questions?

Setting out on my first ride in a new area often raises questions.  You tend to hear all the worst case scenarios, and often believe them more readily, truth or not.  They can range from bad roads, local Leroy sheriffs targeting motorcyclists, or out of state plates, gas availability, or riding into state with ethanol, or different foods available.  But what if your bike breaks, and there is not a Harley dealer at each exit?  What if the parts aren’t there you need?  What if I get sick?  What if I get sick?  What if despite all these things I have a great time and want to return?  What if I don’t return?  And for what may just be a first ride into a new area, or a cross country run, suddenly you are faced with mounting doubts, which can over ride any fun anticipated.  But despite all the warnings, and all the potential danger, jut like Chris we forge ahead, excited about what lies around the next bend, hoping we never find the edge that some people think exists.  The only boundary being our own doubts and fears, fueled by those who can’t, won’t, and shouldn’t go along.  They have found their edge, and the world they live in isn’t round.  But fenced in by fears...

Now Chris. C. ‘s journey was to be more exciting, and profitable than even he could have imagined.  And today many still argue of his claims of finding a new world, he never did find the route he was searching for, and some can vote him a failure on that basis alone.  So don’t be too hard on old Mr. C., or yourself when your ride doesn’t turn out as planned.  After being invited to a Jaycee picnic when we first moved to Durango, we followed the directions given, and when 3 miles became 10 miles with no houses insight, common sense would have told us to turn around.  So we didn’t, and ended up at Vallecito Lake, a beautiful destination that we would move to later that year.  A place we didn’t know existed, like Chris we had started off for one destination, but God led us on another, and Chris and us have been blessed by it.  Sometimes the dreams we follow take us places where no dream can vision, usually better.  And like most of us, if we were told the events or things we would encounter, we would make excuses, or listen to others, turning back and missing out on the blessings.  Of course, none of us would ever be like that...

Ever since I have been a Christian, I have been inundated by messages and questions pertaining to God’s will for your life.  And along the way as the casualties mount up, you wonder how did so many miss out?  Were they scared off by rumors of the edge, or were they misled by others?  But one thing I can confirm, is that pressing on will finally get you somewhere, and that as God guides, He provides.  And He doesn’t lay out His whole plan for you all at once, for various reasons, number one among them is that you would amend it.  Change it for what you want, as opposed to following Jesus.  You would make suggestions, and end up off the course God has laid out.  Life will throw many detours at you, and some will lead you astray, but some lead to blessings.  Like Vallecito Lake.  But you must be following your guide, the holy spirit.  But what if you get off the right road?  Some churches will tell you that once you get right with God, you are welcomed back.  But since Jesus never left you, He goes down those wrong paths, so you are still protected, and there to guide you back.  He is still planning your route, you just need to follow.  And if you reach the edge, still can turn to Him.  At that point it is your choice, the edge or Jesus?  Simple question, huh?  Simple answer, too.  So what are you waiting for?

So we are faced with the question, what if Columbus had never returned?  How would we know the truth of his voyage?  Would the next Columbus ever come along, or would the world still be flat to us?  Today we know it isn’t, his return and stories caused others to follow him.  When Jesus returned it was proof of what He had said He would do, and those who believe join the millions who have followed after Him.  Without Him we would have sailed off the edge, and sadly many do, choosing to follow anything but Him.  The course God has for you is one of joy and adventure.  Giving Him the glory, and you the blessings.  What may seem like a wrong turn to some, is right to God, but you need to trust Him, so you need to know Him.

It took a man of vision, and a Queen of faith to send Columbus out to the east to find the way west.  Faith.  Which is dead without works.  Use the vision God hagiven you today, and step out In faith and follow Him, n matter where the road takes you.  The safest place to be is where God wants you, and sometimes you will never know until you go out and test the waters, or the roads.  All roads lead to somewhere...you will never know until you get out and follow one.  You may be closer to the edge than you think...I don’t wish to live not knowing, do you?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

when too much isn't enough

Looking at the rear of the Rocket 3 I am currently riding, I noticed the license plate had some damage.  It took me a second, but then I realized-someone had wheelied this sucker!  All 800 pounds of it!  What was this guy thinking?  And I want to meet him-he is my new hero!  And looking at the feelers on the foot pegs, after I touched one in a corner, I examined both of them, left side worn, right side almost gone!  And this on a bike with a lot of ground clearance, this ain’t no floor boarded Harley!  My new hero had struck again, and now I really want to meet him.  What magazine throttle junkie had his way with this R3?  And do I have the guts, and the skills to follow in his footsteps?  Or take his line in the next corner?  When the bike had first arrived months ago we were talking how Triumph had taken the restrictors off this 2300cc behemoth, and how fast it should be-it wasn’t slow before.  With over a 100 ft. lb. of torque at idle, take that V-twin groupies, maxing out at 163, and with 150 hp to back it up, think of a freight train-seamless power, that is so smooth it is hard to keep below 90, or 100.  And with the handling to match, what was Triumph thinking?  If there is no substitute for cubic inches, they win.  Or like their ads state, “when too much isn’t enough.”  I will ride too much again today, and for less than $15,000, you can buy one.  If you have the guts to try...what are you thinking?  And you have to ask, what am I thinking?

Now with ABS, that works without you knowing it, upside down forks, and no vibration, this sounds like a Gold Wing on steroids, thankfully with no place to hang a plush animal, but if you did, what would you hang?  What animal has the strength to hold on at that speed?  Does it sound like I am having too much fun?  I wonder if the driver’s license shedder is an option?  If the cops ever catch me on this, it is the loser cruiser, the bus, or walking for me.  If...they can catch me...

Self control is the fruit of the spirit, I keep reminding myself.  But compared to trials of 2000 years ago, no apostle ever faced anything like this best, my wrist is learning that WFO is not the only position.  Cruising at 80+ shows only 3000rpm, with a redline of 6500, this sucker would be going 173 mph if you could hold on, thankfully Triumph thought to put an electrical cut off at 120, but I bet Mick knows how to by-pass it.  By the way, this is the same model that set the record at Bonneville last year...if Bert Munro was alive, do you think he would ride a Triumph?  Think about it, mate.  But it does take self control on more than a fast motorcycle to live life to its fullest.  Today I read that obesity is now a disease.  We know the cause, and the cure-both a choice we make.  And proudly I still weighed the same 12 months after surgery that I did the day I left the hospital.  It has taken self control, some self denial, and a retraining of what I eat, with no complaints.  No pizza, In and Out Double Doubles, no fries, or fast food.  And I don’t miss them, don’t even have a desire any more, but pizza still smells good, but not good enough to chance another stay in the hospital.  So now obesity, like alcoholism, is a disease.  Taking the responsibility from this self induced behavior, and relieving us from any responsibility.  Not our fault, what’s next, cancer?  But I didn’t smoke, it was second hand smoke,  again society gives us a waiver from responsibility.  If only we had a strong lobby in congress for speed laws, how many of my friends would still have their license today...it isn’t my fault, speed is a disease.  Not sure where I caught it, blame Honda, Kawasaki, and Triumph.  Maybe there is something to riding a Harley, no chance of disease.  Blame it on lifestyle, but please, we don’t want no stinkin’ social disease!

So maybe we should form a run at 100+ mph to Five Guys, sit in the smoking section, then off for a few beers before we ride home...hoping we make it OK.  Sounds foolish, but we live like that, and treat Jesus like that.  “I’m still alive, don’t be a downer,”  we hear, as more reject Christ’s invitation, and end up in hell.  We don’t wish to inflict more laws on you, we offer freedom, isn’t that why we ride?  So Jesus lets it be our choice, and I gladly accept the offer.  Unlike the racer who claim to have seen God when he overshot Turn 2, you don’t have to go to fast to see Jesus.  Wherever you are right now, you can ask Him into your life, helmet optional.  And many who don’t ride can be saved too, jealous?  Another ploy that God used on the Jews, when they rejected Him, the Jews are special to God, He made salvation open to all, including the gentiles, who Jews believed were only there to fire the fires of hell.  Which made them jealous, and many are turning to Jesus today.  Whatever your excuse, it will never be good enough.  Like winning racers, Christians have testimonies, losers have excuses.

You may never be overweight, smoke, drink, or indulge in the & Deadly sins of religion, but we are all born into it, Jesus is the only way out.  He gives us more chances than the cop with the radar gun, is fair judge, unlike politicians, and is patient so none should perish.  What are you waiting for?  What are you thinking?  You  have heard the story, seen the movie.  Now meet the man, Jesus.  You know, He just may be the man who can wheelie the Rocket, but uses grace and meekness, power under when He rides.  The road is the destination on many trips, but at the end of the road it is nice to arrive safely.  Heaven is calling, will you answer?  What are you thinking?  Who is your hero, Jesus is mine, and He really wants you to met Him.  In the wind, or in the air...one look at the rear plate and foot pegs will help you decide.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

no they can't take that away from me

Growing up I could never get enough compliments.  It was and still is nice to hear how good I look, how good my sons behaved, and how I love your latest ride.  These glowing words can fill your head with crazy ideas, and sometimes lead you to believe the rumors they may ignite.  It is one thing when I compliment my wife, another when another man does.  You can call me ugly, just don’t insult my kids.  So timing, and the one delivering the compliment, or insult are important, but so is the audience.  It is said that great students make great teachers, I tend to believe that.  Knowing your audience helps too.  I fall asleep in less than 5 seconds listening to someone talk about bird watching, but just let me hear the word motorcycle and my ears perk up. So somewhere between subject matter, the speaker, and the listener communication is formed.  But back to compliments...over the years they have never seemed to come when I needed them, especially when younger and trying to impress someone.  “My you’ve grown,” is one thing from your favorite aunt, but when applied by your adversary, in front of the girl you are trying to impress, sometimes you felt like “grown what?”  More zits, poorer?  Too tall works OK in the NBA, but not in horse racing.  I have also seen embarrassed men insult women when asking if they are pregnant?  When they are not, a lesson learned the hard way.  And on it goes...

Sometimes it is hard to be humble when you are so great, just ask some of the great ones.  In fact many you don’t have to ask, they’ll tell you.  Two quotes stick out to me, one from Norma Desmond in Sunset Boulevard.  She is an aging silent film era actress, who hasn’t done a picture in years.  When recognized, as “hey you’re Norma Desmond, you used to be big.”  She replied, “I am big, it is the pictures that got small.”  Try to work some variation of that line into a conversation today, I love it.  But another comes from another actor, to a National Champion motorcycle racer.  Steve McQueen complimented Mert Lawill by saying, “you will always be  know as a National Champion, you did it.  I only play different people, to me it is always acting.”  You decide, who made the bigger statement here?  How would you rather be known?

As much as we love to be complimented, and we all seek it to a certain degree, I become very embarrassed when someone says nice bike, nice story, etc.  I know it isn’t me, but the Jesus in me they see, and an early quote from an evangelist still sticks with me.  “The good things you see are things I have given over to Jesus, the bad are the things I am still dealing with myself.”  And I believe it to this day.  We are to represent Jesus as ambassadors here on earth, to be witnesses.  But often we have our own agenda, us, and seek our own glory.  Sometimes subtly, sometimes it is too apparent.  But once again fall back on the example of Jesus, who in all things gave glory to His Father in heaven.  So ask yourself, when you speak or act, who do you wish people to see?  Who do you represent?  Do you bring glory to God or to God’s glory, yourself?  If Jesus was your only audience, would you take the same attitude?  Are you playing a Christian, or are you living the role?  As much as Steve McQueen was the King of Cool, he only played parts in movies, off screen he was cool, and wished to be known as a motorcyclist who acted, not an actor who raced.  I like that, and how you see yourself, so will your audience.  Are you a Christian who rides, or are you a rider who is a Christian?  Depending on your listener, it can mean different things.  I prefer Christian rider.  I hope my witness of Jesus is better than my skills.  You figure it out, who am I bragging on?

So what do your words and actions say about Jesus?  Is He your agenda, or is it all about you?  Are you a Christian playing a role, or an actor playing a Christian?  Sadly if acting the world will find out first, and has no problem telling you.  So I hope my words point you to Jesus, and make you think about Him more.  It isn’t all about me, the thought scares me.  So keep it all about Jesus, and soon you will not be acting, but will be a natural, it will come from the heart.  And what is on the heart is reflected in our words.  God says that in the scriptures.  Words do mean something...

Some day in heaven we will hear “well done my good and faithful servant..”  Not rider, biker, teacher, preacher, mother, or father...but servant.  Who you serve is told by your words.  So take Steve’s advice, and no one will ever take away who you are in Christ.  Some only play the part, you can live it.  Let your life proclaim Jesus Christ, “He is big, it is me that got smaller.”  Cut, print.  By your words you will be known.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

once again for the very first time...once again for the very first...once agian for the very...

When younger we all looked forward to certain first events in our lives.  First new bike, first car, first motorcycle, first date, first house, and first job.  And we remember these first quite vividly, but how many remember their second bike?  Their second car?  Some never got to that elusive second date?  What was your second motorcycle?  What was your second address?  And who was your second boss?  Who’s on second?  No-he’s on first.  If you are honest in your assessments, you will have to stop and think, while the firsts come easier.  And whether you know it or knew it, all others would be compared to your firsts.  My new bike is bigger, 20” vs. 24” wheels, my first date was so immature, not me.  My first boss was so smart, or so tough, but my next one won’t dominate me as much.  My next house will be bigger, and not need as much work-until we move in.  And my next motorcycle will have more cc’s, more power and I will go more places.  So we always go back our first love,  never stopping to think that as we get older many new firsts still await us.  We live in a relative society-bigger, richer, fatter, skinnier, faster, and happier.  Or sadder.  But without something to base our future or current events on, somehow we don’t enjoy them as much.  We need something to compare them to, to show we are making the right decisions, that we are making progress.  Moving on.  And although many times we will relive fun times, it is that first time we remember the most.  Your first loves, and what made them so special.

This past year has been a year new firsts for us.  My first and hopefully only life flight and open heart surgery.  And a different outlook at daily things due to them.  This week will be my one year anniversary, and some firsts I have been enjoying-again.  Once again for the very first time, if you will.  Using my surgery date, June, 25, 2012 as my starting date.  I took my first walk with nurse Jackie, 25 of the longest feet I ever walked.  My first walk out of rehab with another nurse, Jessie.  My first Thanksgiving, and being truly thankful for all I have, big accent on the little things.  My first Christmas, and truly celebrating a new life in Christ, for He has given me a new life, and really touched my heart like no one else.   My first rides after surgery, my first anniversary in February, my first Easter, having a whole new outlook on resurrection.  My first birthday-I made it to 59, almost didn’t, and my first Father’s Day.  I usually am not big on such days, and for the past 8-10 years have been on cross country trips for them.  But this year was special, as I was here for my sons, a special gift of being a father, and they were alive to see me alive.  Andrew in church with us, and Christopher on tour in Barcelona, Spain, but both out enjoying life this year, as they should.  But a special first was last Friday having an ultra sound done on my heart.  My last one was the night I left rehab, which happened to be done by the same girl who greeted me when the helicopter landed.  Who not only couldn’t believe I was alive, I was described as the sickest patient they had seen who wasn’t dead, but told me my heart was perfect-no reason I should be in the hospital, and no further tests needed!  You have no idea how those words sounded!  And on Friday, I was shown during the test my new aorta, and the nurse was amazed.  “It is seamless, and if I hadn’t read your chart, and seen your scar I never would have believed it!”  Compare that one to my first one that night after landing-a miracle!  A first night I would rather forget, but a first night to base all others on, unforgettable.

We are warned in Revelation about the church that lost its first love.  We do the same thing with things, but also with Christ.  Some days we reach for the vitamins, and get the stupid pills instead.  Some days we get an extra swat with the stupid stick.  And some days we wake up just like we fell asleep-stupid.  And stupid hurts, but it doesn’t have to kill.  It can be a warning we are off track, or on track for more stupid firsts.  It can mean we seem like we are in a hopeless situation, but don’t need to despair as God is still there.  We wonder sometimes why when we try to live correct, and seem to suffer, while others who live life loosely prosper.  What’s going on here God?  But He knows, and sometimes we lose patience, thankfully He never does.  Up until the day we die, His holy spirit is still calling to us, wanting to save us.  What will it take for you to heed His call?  To return to your first love?  Why not give up trying to fill the void with other things, and get back with Jesus?  What does a spiritual ultrasound of your heart tell others?  Is your relationship seamless with Jesus, or can people see the difference?  Are the scars hidden rom view, where everyone can still see them, except you?  So Jesus offers you this offer, to the saved.  STOP!  Get back to where your first love is, and keep on.  Not stop or you’ll die, He has already rescued you from death.  Stop and enjoy the richer life He promises, and be around to enjoy the new firsts He has planned for you.

Once again for the very first time, come to Christ.  Be assured that He will guide you, but not force you.  He will encourage and not discourage.  And you will look back at what used to be trials, and find He has turned them into testimonies.  The last sense to leave you before you die is your hearing.  Why wait until it may be too late?  Answer His call today.  And enjoy the new firsts He has for you.  Looking back, looking ahead never looked so good. 

love with compassion,

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