The world is one big dichotomy-a huge contradiction of sorts. You start off wanting to be rich so you can have nice things, but spend all day at work and never have a chance to enjoy them. But everyone else does. You were the prettiest girl in the class, but were unapproachable-boys were afraid to ask you out-you were too beautiful. It seems you either have the time or the money, but never both at the same time, and that trip you have been postponing for years, is set to finally become reality, and you are faced with a layoff. Do I go or not? What will my boss think, and will I get laid off? So you don't go, and aren't but missed the chance of a life time. While the boss returns from his trip with some great stories and pictures.
Ever notice how the best deals come along when you never have any cash, but the times you do the deals aren't there, or you just aren't interested? Why does it rain, the only time in six months when you go to Disneyland for vacation? Why does gas go down when I buy a car that gets 40mpg, but up when I buy on that gets 10? Did you ever buy a stereo with a low price guarantee, and see it lower the next week? And thrown away the receipt for a refund, when usually you have a drawer full of them? Did you ever make a reservation, then get up early to go somewhere, because the message said next weekend, but it meant NEXT weekend, not this one? No wonder you could get a room. And the list goes on and on.
Some people believe in bad luck. And if it wasn't for bad would have no luck at all. Some have an uncanny ability to make the wrong decision-felony stupidity. And some-well some of us just roll with the punches, and hope that next time is better. Next time meaning this time, not NEXT time.
Hidden in there somewhere is a blessing, disguised as life, which happens to all our plans, just not all the time. And you can only see them when looking back. Labor Day 1974. I had met Ginger at my cousin's wedding, but was with my girlfriend. Do we see a potential problem? Visiting with her later, she lived in Ohio and invited me out. So at the last minute, the Friday night of the Labor Day weekend, I decided to go, on my motorcycle. But had to change my oil first. Finally finding a parts store open, I bought the oil, drained the bike, and proceeded to lubricate the floor under it when I forgot to replace the drain plug first. So repeat procedure to parts store, but after installing drain plug, and finally leave-in the rain, at about 10pm. Riding straight through in mostly cold and rain, I got stopped three times for speeding-no tickets, the one cop felt sorry for me when I pulled off my glove and my hand was black from the cold and the glove's dye running. I got there just in time for them to leave for the lake, so slept in a small back seat. Had fun on the lake, but Ginger was suspiciously cool to me. Finally her mother confronted her with "did you tell him?" and she hadn't. Then the bombshell-she was pregnant, by her boyfriend and they were getting married. My heart broken-more like disappointed, I only had another 800 mile ride in cold, but dry to contemplate this. But looking back, God did me a favor, that I didn't realize-with only my emotions getting in the way, do yours ever get in the way? But I did get to take a 1700 mile trip-in three days!
The next summer I would get saved, and could begin to see God's plan work out for me. You see He allows tough times, or tough situations so you can run to Him. He allows things to not seemingly work out, because He has better. I have found when he says He knows the plans He has for you, they are good. Not always easy, but always with my best interest in mind. You see, I took another trip three years later, and met Theresa, my wife of 32 years. Coulda, shoulda, and woulda turned into is and was and is going to be. Following every no is a better yes, each job loss a better job,and every setback, a bigger victory. Just hang tight with God. He knows the end-you just have to make it through the middle. But you are not alone. He is always with you.
Living well can be the best revenge-and God wants to get revenge for you. Let Him. For the plans He has for you far outweigh the goals you set. He gives the bike, and the time to ride it. He gives the job, and also time to be with your family. He provides the home, and the means to pay for it. And the best thing, He provided Jesus to atone for all your sin, so you can fellowship with Him, and have eternal life. It is safe to say His grace is sufficient.
Life is an endurance race, not a sprint. And you are signed up for the long haul. Stay the course, and if the road you are on is rough, you are on the right one. So long as you ride it with Jesus. The time to start riding with Him and trusting Him is now!
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com
