Triumph just came out with a cool tag line for its retro ad about Bonneville, the Salt Flats, not the bike. "The finish line is wherever your speedometer maxes out." I like that, but sadly too many max out long before the speedo needle pins itself. Death we call it, and as a society we are afraid to use the word. "Arrested," the doctor told me of my friend Bill two weeks ago. The Bible mentions that we will all sleep. Passed away I often hear, or that the person has gone to a better place. Not here any more. He is resting with the angels. And I think you get my point, we are afraid of death. At least as a group. Individually some of look forward to it.
But with a certain caveat, although we are not afraid to die, we are not sure of the procedure. And maybe that is what really scares us. We all wish to die in our sleep, if for some reason we expire before the rapture occurs. But using the analogy of a speedo, how many of us use all of the numbers on it. How many although it says 120, ever hit the 100 mark in life? How many find a safe speed, and no matter the road condition maintain that speed? Just because it makes them feel safe. Like an old slot car, just staying in the groove until the power goes out. With no regard as to what it makes the other traffic feel.
The opposite is the ones who brag about pinning their speedo needle at 120 or above, and think they really went that fast. I hear guys all the time tell me about how their Kawaharleyhondumph went 150mph, and they still had plenty of throttle to go. Then I see their bike, and recognize it is federally governed to 105. And when pointing this out to them, I am amazed at how they will argue-sadly never seeing 150 in real life, only on a wildly exaggerated speedo. Which only upsets those who have been there. A legend in their own minds. Never allowing reality to taint their legacy.
Maybe that is why racers don't have speedos on their bikes, but ride by engine speed. Which can translate to road speed if needed. They ride to use all of the engine they can, with only the redline stopping them. Then upshifting and repeating the same. But even better are those who ride by sound-the engine tells them when to shift, and when it has gone far enough. And for those who have grenaded an engine, it will also advise when you have gone too far.
And on any given street, if you are really curious, open up the throttle and let her go. Sooner or later an officer of the law will be happy to comply with your wish to know your true speed, and will even document it on paper for you. Even make it public record in court for you. Just another service they provide. Is that what those little white numbers on black really mean?
Life is for living. And for all not at the max. Some are content to never know all the blessings God has for them. They never trust, never twist the throttle of life wide open, and are suspicious of those who do. They want a 150 mph God, but never get out on the freeway. They live like they ride, safe and secure in their own little world. They are noticeable by their presence in the fast lanes-holding up everyone else by their slower speeds. They have the same potential as other high performance bikes, yet never use it. They have the cc's, but not the JC's for life. Stick with something you can ride-like a moped. You are missing out on what Jesus has for you.
At the other end of the spectrum I have seen moped riders, use every last bit of their bike's potential. Never looking at the speedo-that would only ruin the illusion. They get every bit out of their ride, and if 25 feels like 100, so much the better. They get everything out of that moped they can, and more than it has to offer. They are the ones who trust God more, and who see His blessings. It is not the potential they are interested in, but what the bike will do on any given day-in any given situation.
Take a look at your odometer. How many miles have you ridden never knowing what your bike will do? And take a look at Jesus. How many years have you lived not knowing what He can do? Maybe today is the day to take both of them out for a ride. Find a stretch of road and see what the bike will really do. It may be scary, but I guarantee it will be exciting. And do the same with God. Today a situation will occur where only He can handle it. Let Him.
Watch the numbers go higher in your faith than they ever have before. Watch as the needle pins itself, and feel the presence of God. Repeat as needed. And watch as 120 feels like 60, not the other way around. It is only when your odometer quits turning that life is over. Until then, find out what life really has to offer. Ride at redline, in faith. And watch as the new normal is represented by your ever increasing faith. And ever increasing blessings.
Watch the numbers go higher in your faith than they ever have before. Watch as the needle pins itself, and feel the presence of God. Repeat as needed. And watch as 120 feels like 60, not the other way around. It is only when your odometer quits turning that life is over. Until then, find out what life really has to offer. Ride at redline, in faith. And watch as the new normal is represented by your ever increasing faith. And ever increasing blessings.
True joy is best experienced when all its potential is used. Live life with a firm grip on the throttle, and get the most Jesus has to offer in every situation. And start enjoying the ride that Jesus promises. Wheelies optional.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com