It was one of those hot, muggy August Saturdays in eastern Pennsylvania when the humidity and temperature race to see who hits 100 first. Bill and I going riding today without the Wildman, and had chosen to ride south of Easton, in farm country, on some roads we had not been on before. Packing only our leather jackets, as we knew once the sun went down, the humidity would act like A/C on us, we took off. I led with my R60/5, and Bill was on his 750 Honda. As we raced through the fields, occasionally we would come upon an old tavern/general store and stop for a drink. Then onto the next stretch of road, then another pit stop. Finally when it was about dinner time, we noticed we were entering Philadelphia-the city of brotherly love, but also the city that booed the Pope. And years ago when the Athletics played there before moving to Kansas City gave rise to the question "are you a Phillie fan or an Athletic supporter?"
Cruising through Philly at a sedate pace, we passed a transporter unloading Bricklins into a dealership. Bonus points here if you ever saw one, double if you know what SV-1 stands for, and if you know what engines were used. If you happened to own one, my apologies. But as the day wore down, and so did the quality of the roads, we decided to head back home, about 100 miles away. Even a chance meeting of some girls only delayed it, as it had rained earlier, cooling things off, but also the thought of 100 miles in the rain without rain suits, at night urged us on-home that is. Local girls would have to do that night.
While looking for I-95, we were riding through some tough neighborhoods. Now living by Newark we were used to ghetto, but Philly seemed to us anything but brotherly love. Add to that the huge potholes, and we decided to get out of town, providing we could find the on ramp to the interstate. We were cautious at stop lights, and when leaving one I hit a huge pothole-hard! And my headlight fell out, bouncing on the front fender. Trying to stop, and in a safe area, I pulled onto a sidewalk where a bunch of kids were playing. Bill pulled in front, facing me so his headlight could be used. With all these little colored kids wondering what these two fool white guys on motorcycles were doing riding on their sidewalk. We won't play in your street if you don't ride on our sidewalk! We were able to fix the light quickly-fear though can make seconds seem like hours, and we were on the interstate in two blocks-heading home, and rain free. And safe-more tired from the headlight experience than from the full day of riding.
The psalmist tells us thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. And I got a whole new interpretation of that Psalm that night, even though I was unsaved at that time. God truly does have us set on a path, and it is important where our feet are. But also as important is the path you are on. And God directs us when we listen, and mercifully sometimes when we don't. Kicking and screaming when we don't get our way, and are eventually led to safety doesn't lose us points, but only shows us His mercy and patience with us. And unlike my headlight, His light never fails.
It also shows us that His word is not a something, but a someone-the Word coming alive in the form of a man, who also is God-Jesus. And as we read the word, and He comes alive more, it changes our lives, and how we lead them. And also the path-where it once led to destruction, it now leads to heaven. And it may be straight and narrow, like the sidewalk in Philly, but He is always there with us. And someone is always watching. Next to us, and giving up His space when it is only wide enough for one, or carrying us over troubled areas when fear sets in.
And the word was God! You see He walks with us-even when we don't walk with Him. Try that with anything that you let come between Him and you today-and find when you look He hasn't moved or left you-that's love. And no other god, of any religion offers, nor delivers love!
You may never lose your lights in Philly, but God's light will always shine for you. So let that light shine from you, too. Only one bit of advice, let Him shine, and not you on high beam where it distracts others. His light is first from above, then pure. And causes none to stumble. Let the light shine and guide you, and rescue you like He did us that night. Up until that time, I had never realized fear in darkness, or been so glad to have light shine in it! Let Jesus light your path today, and in a way so you can see where you are going. So you can lead others.
Brotherly love is one thing, but God's agape love is better. Philadelphia, here's to you! Let's celebrate with a cheese steak. This first round is on me. Because the crowd never gets smaller-particularly when Jesus rides and eats with you. That's another miracle for another time.
love with compassion,
Mike
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