I don't like the term Man Cave. I don't think of the hallowed ground where my motorcycles live as a cave. And to think this term was probably coined by someone who doesn't ride just more adds stupid to the term. Yet I hear it often, and I remind them that it is a garage-for vehicles. Which in California, it means storage for all the junk/things I have accumulated that are more valuable than the $30 car I bought to park on the street. But at our house it is still a garage, which means vehicle storage, which means motorcycles, I think we are down to seven, but always room for Theresa's Mustang. There are certain conditions that must be adhered to, and maybe that is why her car looks new after 10 years, of not sleeping on the street every night. Once again emphasizing that we are not politically correct, why change when you are correct in the first place?
While travelling we get to visit some garages that have gotten out of hand. They then take the form of a collection, and when some kind hearted, well meaning friend recommends starting a collection, they do. Big or small, I have been in museums with almost 1000 bikes, or small, just the ten bikes I ride regularly, it is still a garage where motorcycles are stored-when not being ridden. And for us, we are pro-motorcycle. Let me explain.
I know guys, surely not men, whose wives let them have a motorcycle. They even let them park them in their garage, just don't knock over anything of theirs. Their lives revolve around the station wagon-what do you think an SUV is? It is stylish station wagon that you wished your dad never had. What is the matter with women who would rather drive a station wagon than a convertible? Remember those who coined the phrase Man Cave? And in her world of perfect hair, trendy fashion, and a trip to the mall each week to stay stylish, motorcycles don't fit. But maybe it is her that doesn't fit?
Our garage is motorcycle specific. Motorcycles first, then Theresa's car. We ride, and that is why we often aren't here-we are out enjoying the roads across the US of A that God has given us to enjoy. Like the sign says-"We ride-that's why we aren't here!" And being a motorcycle based family, we own a car as a necessity rather than a priority-if you consider a red convertible a necessity. I've checked, it is. For those days it rains, or you have to go to the grocery store, we have a car. And it serves it purpose. And with the top down, and the wind in your face, some tell us "it is just like riding" WRONG! Must be the man cave crew again. Always trying to make a comparison to cool but wimping out and choosing politically correct. Tell us about your vacation sometime-ours takes hours. What did you do last weekend? Ours can take a whole weekend to explain the ride. Which was the destination. Where is your car parked? Ours is right next to the motorcycles-in the garage.
And when Andrew was given a TV recently, he put it in the garage. By the magazines, so on rainy days, and lazy afternoons after a ride, we can hang out. Relax. Sorry Stu-no sofas allowed. Mechanic's creepers work just fine. This ain't no man cave, this is a garage. We don't need no stinkin' cars! In fact we have decided if we ever move, it will be a four car garage-not four bedroom. With a kitchen just big enough to cook in, and a loft to sleep. And some big sofas-happy now Stu, to hang out with the bikes. A big screen on the wall, and we will be right at home-except when we are on the road, where we'd rather be.
So you can keep your man cave-I prefer to think of them as tombs, you're final resting place, but not really a place of rest like ours is. Home to all who visit, and where even non-riders feel at home, and may get there first chance to get up close to a motorcycle, and if their wife says ok, sit on it! Just don't get any grease on your pants, don't want to soil her white leather car seats. Wait till she finds out girls ride too!
Churches have changed over the years. From huge white buildings with steeples, to brick extravaganzas that look like a campus, today we find churches in strip malls, old car dealerships, storefronts, and even people's homes. But the fact remains that the building is not the church-the people are. Maybe a fact to remember next time your church has a building fund project. And maybe why so many old church buildings are in decay and falling down. The people in them are falling down and decaying too. Too much emphasis on the building, and not on whose spirit dwells in it. For if God doesn't build the house, we labor in vain. For Jesus is head of the church. Sadly, I'll bet some of you didn't know that. Not the building.
But He also refers to our bodies as tents-temporary housing. And He desires to help us build them too-spiritually and physically. So let Him. You have the ultimate designer, fabricator, creator, and loving God at your disposal. Let Him build you a life-and not a cave. Follow His plans, and don't worry about laboring in vain. Grow from within, and then with Jesus as a solid foundation, build from there. Sounds so simple, so let it be. Don't get caught in a man cave, or man cave religion. Trust God, and don't labor in vain.
God has plans for you for a hope and future. Right now was once a future, and tomorrow will soon be a today. Enjoy them all in the Lord. Trends come and go-Jesus is for real.
And on those days it rains, hang out among the bikes in the garage. Fellowship, wherever two or three are gathered, Jesus is among them. He calls it having church. In a garage. With motorcycles, and bikers. As for me and my garage, we will serve the Lord!
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com