To some it's just another date on the calendar, and to others a three day weekend away from work. But to those of us with the romance of summer in our hearts, Memorial Day Weekend is the un-Official start to summer. Yeah, I know we still have a couple of weeks until the season officially starts, but that summer in your mind, that has laid dormant since last fall when you could ride, magically awakens on this weekend. And all the short rides, waving to the others who are just getting out again, comes together as we all get out, ride farther, longer, and remember how much fun it is, and the freedom that riding gives us. Somehow a tri-tip sandwich tastes better on a ride, eating with friends, while keeping an eye on your bike parked outside among others-a reunion of sorts for them, too. And each year, I notice more and more women riding their own bikes. Women, who have spent time riding buddy with their husbands, finally give into the urge, and get their own bike. And see weekends in a whole new perspective, and Memorial Day weekend is special now in their riding. Meeting more women like themselves, that realize helmet head is a badge of honor, that chaps and a leather vest don't make them less feminine, and that a true lady is one of the heart, not of the beauty parlor. Fake nails, hair spray, and Mary Kay can all wait-they're going riding!
A few years ago at a Hollister Rally, Theresa and I were invited to eat with a group of the Devil Dolls, obviously taking a different take on life than us, we all sat and ate tri-tip-they tolerated me as I was the only man-and as I listened it was evident that they weren't just weekend cowgirls-they loved to ride. And as I listened more, found they had the same likes and dislikes as men riders-fast cars in the slow lane, people tailgating, men who ride too slow, and other women thinking them less feminine because they rode-their own bikes! But without fail, they all understood the freedom in riding! Ride on ladies!
In the Old Testament we find Abram-the father of faith, and of the Israelites, before he was Abraham. And because of changes in his life, he was commanded to leave his household, his country, and his people-and did so in faith and was greatly rewarded by God-even when he was in disobedience we see God's grace in action in his life. It was only when he stopped listening to his family and trusted God, that changes in his life really began. It was only when he hit the road, going places he had never been before that he grew in God, and with God. And finally setting out for new horizons, leaving his country-representing where and how he had grown up-to go explore all things God had for him, did the miracles abound. Just like women who ride, who go from sitting and watching, to actively riding and participating, the view is different when taking the handlebars, and letting go-not the handlebars, and quit leaning against the backrest. When they stopped listening to all the negative, and hit the road, meeting new friends, and enjoying the freedom in riding God provides. And leaving the country of their birth-roads do extend outside of California, and the best roads are yet to to come, if you continually seek them-but you will never know until you get out and ride.
And Abraham found this out-and going from Abram, or exalted father, to Abraham-father of many. And only when God changes your life do you drop the inhibitions, and hit the road of life, and find out all God has for you. He has a road map for your life that includes roads you have never heard of, and rides you would never take without him. Women who ride find this out as they extend their borders, Christians discover this as they grow in God. And the ride may be the best part of it, until we arrive at our final destination-heaven.
Today if you ride, you will make a choice about the roads you take. In life, you also are faced with the way you go. Only one way leads to heaven-Jesus. And He rides, with women, and men, shows proper manners to all, and knows the best roads to take. Follow Him-He won't leave you behind like some women riders I know, I won't mention the names of those on Ducatis who embarrass me in the curves, but is a most faithful riding buddy, and also knows great places to eat and fellowship.
Be an Abram today, trust God and get out and live. Break the mold, be yourself, and find a loving God who wishes only the best for you. And on Memorial Day, as you ride, remember all those who died so you can have the freedom to live in this great US of A. But everyday, remember the one who died and rose again to give you life-a living, loving everyday to all who know Him.
Gotta go-Theresa has been waiting for me, we're going riding. Neat, huh? Jesus, Theresa, and motorcycles. It just don't get any better! You may find out your whole life is just one big, three day weekend!
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogdpot.com