A Gold Wing rider asked me the other day "did I take my motorcycle with me when touring?" He didn't understand how you would ride it to your destination, but ship it instead. After all, this is a big country. Confused at first when I told him how exciting the ride could be, and how the trip can be more fun than the destination, I think it may have opened up some new trip opportunities for him. Let's see-touring bike, rider, and 48 states. Sounds like a good equation to me, hope he does-soon! Ride that is.
When The Beach Boys sing Be True to Your School, they sing about "cruisin' around the other parts of the town with a decal on back," so the other kids know where they are from. I can remember once seeing an SPFHS parking sticker on this girl's car, pretty girl who I didn't recognize. Looked familiar, but couldn't place her. Then seeing her again at the pool, in her bikini and no glasses didn't help matters much. It was only after her embarrassing me by telling me her name, that I knew her. She used to sit next to me in Biology, and wouldn't let me get answers from her. Sadly she remembered me. Now I only wish I could have gotten her phone number, as seeing her at the pool gave me a renewed interest in biology, or was it anatomy? But really our common bond was the decal, we were both from the same high school. Just different planets.
My current ride for Triumph is a Tiger 800. Dealers won't have them until July, so when I cruise into a dealer they are very interested. A neat bike, but as yet unobtainable. But as much as the dealers like to see one, and have seen pictures so they recognize it, I lately am getting more recognition from the license plate. It is from Georgia, where Triumph is located. And while enthusiasts notice the bike, tourists note the plate. And I have met some nice people because of it.
"Are you from Georgia?" No, but I have been there. One couple after telling me they were from Atlanta, I mentioned the Varsity. He said "what'll ya have, what'll ya have?" the way they greet you there. And soon we were discussing chili dogs and onion rings, and left old friends. And hungry.
"Did you ride out here from Georgia?" No, but I have ridden there. No relation to the aforementioned Gold Winger. But still, a taste of home to them.
"We're from Decatur, Rome, Savannah," and then talk to me like I've been there. And after listening, add it to my list of places to visit when I do go back. Another question I am asked. But I am always amazed at how that little license plate on back has started many conversations. Kurt Vonnegut calls these things we have in common "grand falloons," a term he made up. And whether you know it or not, a grand fallon is just around the corner for you.
I also get asked how do you ride all these new bikes in California, when the plates say Georgia. After explaining how and why I ride them, they ask what I do for a living. And then I get to share Jesus with them, and the ministry work the Lord has given me to do. From red neck to no neck, I have met some very nice people, and gotten to pray for them, and with them. But when meeting other Christians it is always a rush, as our grand falloon is a person, Jesus Christ. And whether we just met, or have known each other for years, we form an instant bond because of Him. Not by plate or location, but because of a common book we are both written about in, the Book of Life. For once your name is written in it, heaven awaits, and where we were just strangers, now we are friends, and family. And any other subject just isn't as interesting as sharing testimonies with each other. Places to eat, roads to ride, and long trips may be important, but they all pale compared to Jesus.
And that's the way it should be. Keeping the first thing first. So next time you see a Jesus sticker on a car, give them the old "One way with Jesus"sign. Make their day. Hopefully they know what it is-finger pointed to heaven! And say a pray for them. You may never meet or see them again, but God is watching, and smiles when you do. It's called love, and He loves it when His children do it to each other. But also pray for those who cut you off, hog lanes, and even lane split. You never know, we just might end up at the same church sharing a pew. "Haven't I met you before? Do you drive a big SUV with Jesus stickers, who cut me off?" Not how I want to be remembered. How about you?
It might just be a decal on back, but it may also be an invitation to show the love of Christ to the hurting one God has put in your path. Or a Gold Wing rider looking to ride. A pretty girl at the pool, or a tourist hungry for the Varsity. God knows or He would not let you cross paths. And if it's not in your heart, don't wear it on your back. I just might see it and stop and visit with you.
"Say, don't I know you? Didn't I see you praying with that homeless guy and offering him food?" Only a decal on back? You probably think the girl at the pool was only a girl? Or the bike I'm riding is only a bike. Don't make the same mistake with Jesus!
love with compassion,
Mike
