When passing through Flagstaff a couple of years ago, Neil and Teri took me to dinner at Salsa Brava. Good food, one of DDD's favorites, and Guido was right on. They even have a salsa bar with their own blends, and one caught my eye-habanero mango. Now I like sweet salsas, so went for the habanero. And it wasn't love at first bite-my mouth instantly caught fire! And after downing two glasses of water, it only got hotter! Seems the habanero chili is one of the hottest on earth, on the heat scale where jalapenos rate 2500, the habanero rate 100-300,000! And this was news to this gringo! But strangely, after returning there on two subsequent trips, I ate the same salsa, and it wasn't as hot. The difference is/was, I was ready for it, knowing what it was. Either that or my sense of hot was completely scorched from the first visit. Still looking for that elusive mango taste.
But I also found out that the salsa was great for clearing the sinuses, no prescription needed. Just lots of water, and ready access to the men's room. Now where do they keep the extra toilet paper?
Riding motorcycles can be like that, as just because it says one thing on the tank, doesn't mean that it isn't fast, or slow. For a guy who doesn't ride Harleys, I rode two of the same model within four days. When I rode Pastor Fred's 2010 Dyna Fat Bob, which he had told me was breathed on, it was fast, and I was ready. Even talking to Spud this weekend, he told me that the Fat Bob would pull right to red line-aren't they all supposed to? So when Chris came by with his brand new 2011 Dyna Fat Bob, and told me to see what it would do, I did. And was disappointed after riding Fred's. Whereas his bike accelerated to 90 mph easily, the new bike was much slower, and I finally got it to top out at 105. And compared to the new Tiger XC 800 I am putting miles on, both are slow. So what does it all mean?
Like life, we are not all in the same state of tune. To some it matters, wanting to get the most out of life, but to others, they just cruise by. Never opening the throttle to see what life has for them. I am not a cruiser, I want the most performance out life I can get-and also my rides. A habanero ride. After being ready, of course. And on the 2011 Fat Bob, I would have been OK-if, I hadn't ridden one that showed its potential. And once again the old question about speed is answered once more, "how fast do you want to go?" "How much do you want to spend?"
God asks you the same question. How close to Him do you want to be? Or other words, how blessed do you want to be? I say, spend it all! For even though we all claim to serve the same God, we are all at different levels. Some walk with God WTO, while others barely open the throttle of blessings. Some acknowledge Him publicly in all they do, and some barely recognize Him at all. And the fruit, or blessings we bear will tell that difference. Jesus tells us that "these things shall follow those that believe." These things being healings, miracles, salvation, peace, and a walk with God that surpasses anything dreamed of or imagined. And although we are all equal, some just don't ever open the throttle enough to find out, and miss the blessings that God wants to give.
And you don't have to be foolish like me with habaneros. Or spend money to go fast, for built into each of us is a potential that only God can unlock. Just twist your faith throttle. And unless we let Him, we cannot do it ourselves. Trust God, and avoid a habanero experience that may have you avoid all salsas in the future. Trust God when you open the throttle, and get everything out of the ride that the bike can give. But ask God today, "what is your desire for my day?" Jesus told us in the Lord's prayer, to ask "thy will be done." Let us be bold enough to trust God. And though I ride fast through the valley of habaneros, I will fear no evil-for He is with me!
But it takes trust. I trusted the salsa and got burnt. Trust God and don't get burnt. Now that you have tasted of God, don't you want more? Follow Him, and these things shall follow you. Get the most out of each meal, each ride, and your life. And if you don't know how hot a chili is, ask! If you want more of God, just ask. And let the blessings begin!
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com