"Mama said there'd be days like this, there'd be days like this Mama said, Mama said..." And with my mother being a Murphy, I might even go the Murphy's Law way, but that wouldn't be fair either. Let me explain. I had been down for a week with a head cold that took up residence in my chest, so I couldn't do my hospital visits. Finally feeling well enough, I decided to go see Roscoe too, at home, and thought it would be a great idea to ride my old Suzuki. It doesn't get ridden much, it had been over two months, and I had to jump start it to get it going,the battery was weak, and I figured the ride to Fallbrook would be enough to charge it. So off I went taking the back roads, and enjoying myself. No traffic since it was a weekday, and when I had gone 10 miles I went on reserve. With no stations until Fallbrook, plus the fact I didn't want to stop-it might not restart yet, I kept going. And all was well until I got into town. When the light turned green, I pulled in the clutch and SNAP! The ball snapped off at the lever. I had no clutch! So I pushed the bike to the side, getting out of traffic. It had been 30 years since I had broken a clutch cable, so it seemed only fitting that it happened on a 33 year old motorcycle. I guess they just don't make them like they used too, anymore.
So here I was-low battery, needing gas, and no clutch. But at least I feeling better, for now. I said a quick prayer from the side of the road, and figured I would get to Roscoe's if I could. By rolling the bike then banging it into gear, I could shift up, but downshifting was hard. Also I had to judge lights, hills, traffic, and other things so I wouldn't have to stop. Things which were no big deal when you have a clutch. So I rode on-God honoring my simple one word prayer-"HELP!" And in keeping with the day's activities, Roscoe wasn't at home-Rick had taken him to the doctor. So after dropping off the cookies Theresa made-did I say I had them tied to my right wrist in a plastic bag, I took off for home. Roscoe lives on a hill, so I had parked accordingly, and the battery was charged, so I didn't have to bump start it, but still had to bump it into gear once it was rolling. With no clutch!
Again using patience, and trusting God's guidance, I started off. Please note He is a much better pilot than a co-pilot. If He is going to be your co-pilot, why even ask Him along? And taking back streets I made it to the edge of town, and down Mission into Bonsall, where I got gas. Chugging along when riding in, then pushing it on a downhill and banging it into gear when I left. The two sport bike riders were so young, they might have thought this is how the old bikes were ridden, but hid their smiles from me, at least. Then it was off again, using u-turns and timing to get home. Only having to use the freeway the last few miles. Even got the garage door open so I could coast in-ok, it did take three times around the cul-de-sac, but God got me home safe. And safely.
But when I got on the freeway , and I knew I would make it, I began feeling confident in myself, I began to lean on my own skills and understanding again, just the opposite of Proverbs 3:5, you know trust in the Lord with all your might.... And then He reminded me of Peter seeing Jesus walking on the water. When Peter saw Him from afar, he called to Jesus, and Jesus told him to come. And Peter then performed his famous water walk, not by faith-isn't faith the evidence of things believed and NOT seen? And Peter saw Jesus, no he acted in obedience. Just like I had trusted God to get me home without a clutch. But Peter, like me, when he got close to Jesus-his destination, thought he could make it the rest of the way on his own, and fell in. So close that Jesus only had to reach down to rescue him from the water. While afar and he could see Him, he obeyed. But gaining confidence, in himself, he fell in-taking his eyes off the Lord, and disobeying. Thinking he could make it without Jesus. And I didn't want to fall. When I realized this, I immediately repented-stuck on the side of the road is no joy no matter how close to home you are. And maybe this is why so many accidents happen close to home-we get familiar and don't trust God. We lean on our own understanding, when we really need to seek Him at all times!
A Christian's walk, or ride with Jesus is a 24 hour walk. Why would you not want to? But pride can enter, and that is where we fall. I could have blamed many things for my day, but chose instead to trust God. Even amazed myself. And He got me home. Like Amazing Grace tells us, "tis grace that brought me here this far, and grace will take me home..." God is with us, even when we are riding. Reminding us of how much we need Jesus in our lives. It's tough enough with Him sometimes, I wouldn't want to go through life without Him.
And to put this all in perspective, it was two years to the day I had gotten hit on the Bonneville. Too much for one day for this mortal man, but not too much for the son of God. Alive to ride another day, with Jesus, on the road to heaven. Whether on the water, or on the road, keep your eyes upon Jesus. Truly-obedience is better than sacrifice.
Enjoy the ride.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com