"It goes from Chicago to LA...more than, 2000 miles along the way...get your kicks, on Route 66..." The Mother Road it has been called. Route 66, officially named in 1926, and in 1985 officially decommissioned, when Williams, Az. is the last town to be by-passed by the interstate. Where one road took you on an over 2000 mile exodus, now it takes five interstates! And you miss so much of the fun and challenge of driving an old highway. A time gone by, where Mom and Pop motels have been replaced by chains. Where lunch counters have been replaced by fast food restaurants-funny we won't call them diners, although we refer to those who eat there as diners-rather than restaurateurs. And where gas station attendants used to check your oil, fill your gas, wash your windshield, and offer free maps and directions, toady we swipe a card at the pump, and never get the rest that the old gas stop provided. Using mileage markers and exit numbers to find our destination. No more Pecan Logs at Stuckeys, or gazing at snake skins in Arizona. No more signs warning you of the thousand rooms for the night in Tucumcari. Only the alert traveler today will notice Lucille's, and stop in to eat while in Oklahoma. Hot after a ride, stop by Ted Drewes Custard Stand in St. Louis. And for how many thousands has the Santa Monica Pier been there first time seeing the Pacific!
But today we have the Eisenhower Interstate System. Based on what Ike saw in Germany during WWII, he noted we needed a modern freeway system to carry Americans who wanted to travel, but also for military purposes of moving troops and equipment, should we ever have to fight on our own turf. Or move the same internally during times of war. A good idea, and it works, and an added benefit to guys like me, is that it frees up roads like Route 66 for the rest of us. Where we can ride and visit in a different era, at a different speed, and to a different melody. A few minutes where I can reflect on why I miss America.
I can't tell you how many times I have travelled 66, I used to live a few blocks off of Central in Albuquerque. But with its rebirth via local and state associations, much of it can still be travelled, and many old land marks still exist. You just need to be more patient-but they are there. And I can promise you, from riding most of it, except Illinois into Chicago, there is still plenty of life along the Mother Road. Just look at it through 1950's eyes, and enjoy the ride. Bumps, potholes, turns, changes in altitude, and crossing of state lines. Anything but straight and narrow-interesting and challenging, looking for new adventures, just like life.
So why does God tell us to stay on the straight and narrow road? Is He an interstate highway advocate? Does He not like the old highways and the small towns? Does He prefer fast food to a blue plate special? Is He in a hurry to get where He is going? Maybe the answer lies more with us, than with Him. He knows all the roads, and what is ahead for us on them. He sits on a peak, and can see around mountain curves we can't. He can see ahead past the dust storm or detour, and knows when we will need gas and food. He has that special memory just waiting for us ahead, and those appointed to share it with us. And because of that, and His love for us, He has given life to us. He has plans for us, to give us that life. He has ordered our steps-not commanded them, but like staying on a route to a destination, has laid out a plan. The ultimate trip planning service. And orderly plan, which if followed in the Spirit will give us a safe trip, and definitely not a boring one. Straight and narrow can sound so boring to a biker on vacation, but this plan is designed to give peace of mind. Think of a curve as a series of straight lines, at different angles, and it all makes sense. Stay on that road, and you won't end off in the bushes. No detours necessary if you follow the map. Don't be allured by billboards who promise one thing, when you know they will deliver another. Don't look for discounts that aren't. The temptations will always be there. Obey the warning signs, and enjoy the ride.
Things can change in a day's notice, or without notice. On Palm Sunday, Jesus rode into town, a hero's welcome. And by Thursday would be betrayed by a friend, and crucified on Friday-Good Friday. But by Sunday morning, His tomb was empty. Proving to all, including those who yelled "crucify Him!" that He really was who He said He was. And with His death and resurrection we can have new life in Him. A straight and narrow road to Heaven, no detours or road blocks. Maybe that is really the straight and narrow road He talks of, and wants us to be on. He wants nothing to get between Him and us, so makes a direct road to Him. Straight and narrow. Like riding I-40 from Bro. Willie's in Nashville. You will know to stop when you see the Pacific. It is only in life we experience the curves. His directions-simple and easy to follow.
Get out soon and get some kicks on Route 66, or any other road. See America while you still can. But get on the straight and narrow road to Jesus today. Don't wait! All roads lead somewhere, only one leads to Him!
Call it the Father Road! The only one who truly leads to our Heavenly Father. Another travel tip from His son, Jesus.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com