A friend of mine who is an OTR-an over the road trucker, pointed out to me years ago that just because a diner has a lot full of trucks doesn't mean the food is any good-it just means the lot is big enough for him to park his rig. Dispelling the myth about truck drivers knowing all the good spots to eat. But-if you see a diner with the lot filled with motorcycles, it probably means the food is good, the portions are big, and you get to eat with a better class of people-bikers. For we are the proud bearers of the saying "eat to ride, and ride to eat." And it is safe to say you will never see any of us in a weight loss ad. Our idea of a lap band are vest extenders. And we take both parts-both riding and eating, of the saying very seriously.
As a Christian biker, I also am able to see Jesus and His parables in many of our riding and eating situations. He fed the 5000 with just two loaves and five fish after blessing them, I have been in food lines that have no end, but always some left over. He turns away no one, they all leave full, and their is always some left for the late arrivals. Because some don't ride quite as fast as they eat. Or eat as fast as they ride.
This last weekend our friends from the Black Sheep invited us to help again serve at the Biggs Chapter of HOG annual event. This year Maggie and crew outdid themselves again in so many ways, and showed the example of scripture where Jesus says it is more blessed to give than receive. Rather than the old stand by of burgers and tube steak-hot dogs to you rookies, they had tri-tip, seasoned to perfection. 200 pounds of it for 400 hungry bikers, do the math. Just like God's portions, they were bigger than expected. I watched as the server next to me put on 5-6 slices. Then I gave them a big spoonful of both potato salad and cole slaw. As I then watched them have to hold the plate with both hands, it was beans, a roll, and a drink. And NO one went away hungry. Perhaps one rider said it best-"I was expecting a hamburger, you guys gave me a feast!"
And we all had a real good time! An example set by Jesus at His first public miracle. The wedding was winding down and they were out of wine. At that point He turned water into wine-the best they had ever tasted! Wine representing joy, He saved the best for them at the end. And they left with more joy than they had entered with. A point we should remember. The joy of the Lord! More than wine, tri-tip, and all the fixings-Jesus is that joy. And we can share in it everyday-not just at the end of it! And His joy is never ending. Sadly, no matter how much we eat, we will hunger again. The joy Jesus gives goes on forever. Into heaven!
So next time you are hungry, look for a place filled with motorcycles. Stop in and eat with a better class of people. Sit and enjoy more than enough food, and probably done well. Say hi in response when someone says hi to you. We forgive you for not riding, but you are still welcome to eat with us.
And if that church has motorcycles parked out front, stop in. For like the gospel, we have a simple message. For eating to ride also means being fed at church-spiritually. Then we ride to feed others, showing the love of Jesus. And we have learned to show it by our actions, rather than our words. After all, it is rude to talk with your mouth full. But you can share the gospel of love no matter what.
Just leave room for dessert-for like Jesus, no matter how good the meal, the best is yet to come.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com