Any old biker will tell you that chains stretch, and need adjustment-then you have to replace them. Same with cables before the advent of Teflon. I broke one once on my Z-1, remember the push/pull system on Jap bikes? When I finally figured it out, I had to push rather than pull, until I got even smarter and just reversed it, until my new one arrived. Amazing what you learn in desperation. And we even stretch before we get on our bikes, knowing we will be sitting for a while, and loosening up. So we should be very familiar with stretching. And in a Spandex world, staying loose is a good thing, for someday we will all be stretched. It's just that some are more Bungee than Spandex and want to bounce back. But true to form, when God says stretch, He means growth-for us. And what He sends our way is always to benefit us. And also to remind us how He controls the future. For our benefit for those who follow Him.
I was asked to speak at Lee's service, and God had given me the words. Then I was asked to speak for two minutes at the cemetery, we only had 30 minutes there. And while the girls had worked out hand signals to stop me at two minutes, God had another plan. When we arrived, the cemetery representative told me I had 15 minutes-to do my two minute show! No hand signs necessary. Isn't there something about man plans, and God laughs? But Lord, this is my friends funeral! Trust works in all situations, remember? But, first I must digress... a little.
When laying in bed and asking God what he wanted me to say, He told me to sing-to sing Amazing Grace to the tune of America, the Beautiful. And also where it says "God shed His grace on thee," to say God shed His grace on Lee. Cool. OK Lord, we got the words-now I have to find someone to sing.
"NO!" was His answer. "You sing!" It's like wait God, this is a funeral, and I have never sung in public. And I don't sing in public. And this is a funeral God, remember? Aren't they supposed to be somber? But God had a different plan-and He wanted to stretch me!
So when He gave me the words to say, I was blessed. And even excited to sing-that should make you believe in miracles. And sing we did. Loud, so the other mourners could hear our joy, and when we all sang "God shed His grace on Lee"-you could feel the love and joy. And then we all broke into spontaneous applause! Dick had joined in on his harmonica-even asked Theresa what key I would sing in-off key, Dick, if ever I am asked again. And Suzi, aka Ballerini was blessed. What a celebration of life-and Jesus in a man's life! And the funeral director told me this was one of the best services he had ever seen. S-t-r-e-t-c-h-e-d-! A whole bunch-God knew exactly what He was doing.
And at the reception, I was asked to sing it again. And with Glen's help, we all sang again, from the heart! And then people picked up American flags that were used to decorate the room, and I remembered Lee-and Father Al. When years ago Fr. Al was asked to be a bishop, we prayed and he reminded me that the God who had asked Him, would also give him grace to complete it. And on Friday God's grace was amazing, and it allowed me to complete what God wanted for Lee's funeral. But I also thought of Lee, and Ballerini told Theresa later, "Lee would have loved it!" Thanks Lord, and I am so glad I followed your advice.
Today you will be faced with decisions. Jesus is there to be faithful to complete the task He set before you. But you must obey God. For where He guides, He provides. he knew exactly what Suzi and the family needed that day, and provide it, using this off key singer to bring joy to a funeral. And if I can sing before a crowd, imagine what you with talent from God can do?
Go ahead and sing the tune, using Amazing Grace as the words. Lee's funeral turned out to be amazing, and full of grace, all because of Jesus.
For God and for country-He still continues to shine His grace on you today! Just try to get that tune out of your head! But never let Him out of your heart!
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com