After riding over 4200 miles to my parents house in New Jersey, you would think that the 56 mile ride to our friend Mary FNY (from New York) out on Long Island would be no big deal. And you would be wrong. After riding at speeds up to 95mph, for hours, and temperatures over 100 degrees, 400 miles of rain and lightning, and time zone sleep depravity, I feared this last leg of the trip. But we did it, and we're glad we did. Even got the t-shirt to prove it.
I promise you this ride will never show up on any list of favorite roads. Within this 56 miles you get to go through Rahway, past the prison, take US 1 through Linden past the empty GM plant, and all the other empty businesses that closed when it did, street signs that say exit left lane, then at the last moment appear on the right, and within this mileage cover three islands, three bridges, $10 in tolls-the Verrazano alone was $13 for cars, and a route that is perpetually under construction. Consider the view of the Bayway Refineries a free bonus, shed the paranoia about the drivers being out to get you and your motorcycle-they're out to get everyone, and that combined with potholes that eat Toyotas and you get why I was looking for any excuse to go back to Jersey. I was even told once that if you break down there, don't call a tow truck, call your insurance agent. And report it stolen, for it won't be there when you get back. And people complain about LA freeways? But we soldiered on, the Lord giving us three days of weather in the 80's, cloudless skies, low traffic-it was a weekday, and getting to visit and ride with Mary.
Which we almost bailed on. When I called her to find a place to meet, she didn't know. And had to call me back. I figured OK, she only lived there for 30 years....but somehow we made it to the White Castle she decided on, and the two hours and 56 miles of hell was over.
Mary lives in Long Beach, NY. A seaside community of quaint old neighborhoods, quite isolated from NYC, except for the occasional jet flying over enroute to JFK. Almost close enough to recognize passengers on board. But somehow very quiet otherwise. Tiny streets, built in the twenties, many one way now, and once off the main streets, very little or no traffic. And as she says, is seven minutes from the beach-walking, may take 30 minutes if you drive, and worth the trip, I decided, to get there. But we were there, in one piece, and Mary, the perfect hostess was glad to see us. She doesn't get many visitors from the outside-the trip may explain why. For once there, were dreading the ride back.
A much different land was found by us. Secluded on the island, because of how you get there, many people never leave the area. They think it is the same everywhere, so why go anywhere else. And they are wrong, and right. For this area has some of the best varieties of food to offer within a small area anywhere in the US of A. From lobster bars to Nathan's to Marvel's for ice cream, no wonder all they do is eat. So for three days, we ate like the locals. But we still need an interpreter to understand what they are saying. Thankfully we had Mary.
Dinner the first night was at the Jordan Lobster Farm. Which seats 200-outside. You go up to the window and order the lobster by weight-up to five pounds, and within a few minutes pick it up at the next window. Mary and I shared two 1 1/2 pound lobsters for $44, compare that to the $35 meal of a 6 oz. tail anywhere else. By the way Mary, Happy Birthday, how was the 5 pounder for your birthday dinner? Anyway, you eat the whole lobster, except for the green stuff inside, and it was great, along with the fries, coleslaw, and corn on the cob. We even took a walk through the back, where they keep the lobsters alive in tanks, marked by 1/2 pound increments. Which is where we met Lobsterzilla-the 16 pound lobster-see picture. We'll call it a draw between the lobster and the guy with the tattoos-seems they were evenly matched. And watched as they let huge crabs out for us to see. Only New York-but not NYC! So after this filling meal, we went to Marvel's, remember all they do is eat, for strawberry soft serve-YUM! And then back to Mary's. To plan our trip out to Montauk Point via the Hamptons the next day. A full day, that within 12 hours we had both endured the ride, and the meal-successfully, and were ready for more. The key ingredient, Mary FNY and her hospitality.
Truly we were strangers in a strange land. And having a friend there made all the difference. Jesus in Matthew 25 talks to the church, and asks them where were they when He was hungry, thirsty, naked, and sick or in prison-true ministry is done to all these least ones. But He also says we were once strangers, and He took us in, setting an example for us. Maybe as simple as hospitality, opening your house for friends or a Bible study, or maybe as much as taking someone in who is having a hard time. Baking cookies for these, and seeing they are welcomed, and setting an example for them to show others. We felt as strangers in New York-and dreaded the ride there. But when Mary opened up her home, and heart to us, we saw the gospel in action. Actions that no preaching or scriptures could have expressed the love of Jesus better. We walk by faith, but it is the actions based on faith in Christ that are the most effective witness. And so by her kindness, we saw the gospel in action.
We were all strangers once, some stranger than others. But Jesus loved us all equally, and still does. We spent a lot of time praying on the ride, and a lot of time thanking Him once we arrived. The road was rough, but we were on the right one. If your road is rough, maybe you are too. It brought us closer to God, as we really needed Him. If you are going it alone, stop and reconsider what is at the end. For us who ride the trip is many times the destination, but we all will have a final destination. Your choice is which one-heaven or hell? God has laid out a road and a trip before you today, maybe even with a Mary included. Take it. The one with Jesus. And like the poet said, taking the road less taken has made all the difference. Even if it is called the Belt Parkway!
Life was a jolly holiday with Mary-let eternity be a holiday with Jesus.
love with compassion,
Mike FC (from California)
matthew25biker.blogpsot.com