We started the day by riding 61 miles south on Highway 61 in Minnesota, then taking the advice of the traveler with the girlfriend of nine pairs of shoes fame, we crossed the Mississippi at La Crosse into Wisconsin. State hiway 33. What a beautiful route, as it left the town of La Crosse and proceeded into the kind of rolling hills and farmland you picture Wisconsin to be. One of the oldest roads in Wisconsin, it also has to be one of the prettiest. So for the next 100 miles we followed this awesome road, until just outside of Madison-still 30 miles away. Now remember, as neat as a road is, it is the people along the way you meet that make it memorable. Looking for a place to eat lunch, we saw a huge gathering around a church on a hill across a dale. But as we got closer, it turned out to be a funeral for someone, someone who must have been very loved and admired as there were a hundred vehicles at this church, in what was almost a town. So riding on, we entered into Hillsboro. A metropolis in the area, with all of its 1347 residents!
The Czech capitol of Wisconsin, the banners said. And found a late breakfast at Holvy's. The lady who waited on us had taken a break from cooking, and we sat in a cafeteria style seating, where you share tables. Across from us were two couples, who we talked with, and found out one lady painted pictures of round barns, historic to the area, and got a quick history. Even wrote a book, and we laughed as I shared I did too, both self published. Across the room from me, two old farmers in bib overalls were busy eating breakfast-busy as the one old guy kept taking out his teeth and then replacing them-adjusting them let's say. With both men sitting back to back, but leaning back to talk. Strangers, with much in common.
While ordering, a cute, older couple came in. Exchanging pleasantries, he told us they worked for the Gideons, but he was an unofficial pastor of a country church. Seems 32 years ago they asked him to fill in, and he has ever since-but has never been hired, nor missed a service. Wonder how many of us would live like that? Faith will produce fruit when we do! After saying good byes, we all seemed to get done eating at the same time, we took off-impressed by the people God had sent our way, and they were impressed with the ministry God has given us. It takes so many, doing so many different things to make our goals complete! Living proof in Wisconsin-don't ya know!
Different backgrounds, but a common God. And while we choose to serve Him, some wish to be His adversary-check history, you will lose! And a question the other day, still dances around in my head. If God is loving, why does He cause suffering and cancer? Fair question, and I may have some insight, if not the answer. God doesn't cause suffering, but He does allow it. To bring us to Him in our time of need, and also because He is honorable, to us and Himself. He allows us to choose, otherwise it would not be love, but based on what He has done-much like having a rich uncle, and being nice to him because of what he has, instead of just being your uncle, who happens to be rich. And to the cancer part, I like to think, maybe God has sent someone with the cure, but in our sin, what if he was aborted? Taking a life, when he was sent to save lives. Only God knows for sure. Ask Him if you really want to know!
But God is honorable, and this little old part time preacher reminded me of service to Him, and how we are to serve Him, and not ourselves. And how He allowed us to all just meet, by divine providence that Saturday morning. And the glory of God shown by His love, taking us on great roads, and making new friends.
Today you don't know what lies ahead, but God does. Follow His lead, and watch as the day turns into something special. Greet someone at lunch, share a kindness, and you may find you are blessed, while trying to be a blessing. Share life, so many are overwhelmed by it. And pray for those carrying children, they may just have the cure for cancer carried in their womb. Regardless, we are all precious cargo in the eyes of God.
And seek Jesus-sent to save lives, He gave His own. So we could live, and enjoy the road and its company that day. Make Him personal, and be amazed at the people He puts in your path. You may have more in common with them than you think.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com
