Thirty days has September, April, June, and November. And also the amount of days on the road of our latest trip across America. For those of you driven by numbers, here are some to think about. Thirty nights in 18 different beds, three time zones, 21 states, 8800 miles, and a million new memories, some which are just beginning to surface. For it is not unusual when looking at the thousands of pictures Theresa took-using two cameras, an i-pod, and her cell phone, there are places the camera has been, while I was busy riding. And it not only enhances memories, but creates new ones, as I get to go places I was but don't remember. And I love going new places.
Riding into Evansville, Indiana on the way home, we were greeted by yet another empty factory-this one said Whirlpool on it. And once again I was confronted with the fact, that just like South Bend, Hanover, Bethlehem, Chester, and many other one time thriving industrial points in the US of A, that we didn't quit wearing clothes or shoes, or driving cars, or using washing machines-we just don't build them here anymore. And where once a thriving community stood, a ghetto had replaced it. While the new city, whether in Mexico, Thailand, Japan, or China, now boasted of their thriving communities. Not because Americans couldn't build it or design it anymore, or not even because our quality had fallen-in these off shore third world countries you could build it cheaper. With lower wages, for a lot less money. A sick way of congratulating the American worker for decades of performance. Take away the factory, and the jobs go with it. So do the shoe stores, grocery stores, car dealerships, and all the diners, hardware stores, and other smaller businesses that are fed by a common denominator-a factory. Which meant jobs, which meant prosperity.
Where once Detroit met GM and Chrysler-now it means FIAT. And Government Motors. South Bend once meant Studebaker, Hanover meant shoes, and Bethlehem meant the highest quality steel in the world. Ever hear of the Pittsburgh Steelers? Production was not only woven into our heritage, it paid the way for new and exciting technology. But sadly , like Alfred P. Sloan, CEO, President, and architect of General Motors reminded us, "General Motors is not in the business of making cars, we are in the business of making money." And so, good business told us go where the costs were less, neglecting how you became successful in the first place. So to me whenever I see property where a factory once was, or an abandoned building with the windows broken out, with people just hanging around with no hope, I realize that a business needs to make money to stay in business, and that money is not evil, but the love of it is. You see when Henry Ford set out to build cars, he saw a transportation need. Just like the Studebaker Brothers. Brands of sheets and linens like Dan River had the town name on them-reflecting quality. Frigidaires and Whirlpools-the name told you just what they were. And Bethlehem Steel-the best in the world. Period. Until someone found out how to do it cheaper, but not better. To squeeze the extra penny or two of profit from the dollar, then quality took the back seat. Reflected today in the junk Wal Mart sells, a company that only ten years ago bragged on how it sold mostly American made goods, and due to demand, or availability, now is mostly imported. With two languages printed on the labels. And we find America has sold its soul for a buck, which now is really only worth 85 cents.
A question we need to ask ourselves, those who call themselves Christians, "isn't it enough to serve God just because of who He is?" Isn't creator of the universe enough, but add Jesus and the salvation He offers, what else could you need? But yet, I see many who have fallen on a false gospel, where success is counted in dollars, for the LOVE of money is the root of ALL evil. As I think of my neighbor, in Kuwait for a year, while his kids and wife need him here, I wonder, not how much did you make extra, but how much did it cost? Time, memories, and a family forsaken for a few extra dollars. Enforcing in me at least, how important it is to trust God. to put Him first-just because of who He is.
Today many reap where they did not sew, but won't much longer. The signs are there for the rapture-Jesus calling His church out of this world, and we need to be ready. For unlike the factory leaving town, and leaving those behind in shock and disbelief, the Bible has spelled out what is to come. The signs are here, the time is near. The question is are you? For God's plan has warned you, it is your decision if you go with Him. For God so loved the world He gave His only son...do you love the world so much you will deny Him? Do you not realize that without Him you are like the empty, crumbling factories left behind?
Learn from history, but trust in God. For His move is to the heavenlies-no unemployment, no hunger, no sickness, and a bright future. A contract with you that never needs renegotiating. A commitment bought and paid for-so that you never need to worry.
Today jobs are in demand, but it is really the income from them we need. Why not seek and trust a God who will meet all your needs? Who can provide through or above anything a job can provide? TRUST GOD! Life is not about numbers, but who you spend them with. Do I hear an AMEN for eternity?
And for those of us who like to travel to new places, how can you beat heaven? Are you along for the ride?
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com