The more things change, the more they stay the same. As I look back on my history of riding motorcycles I find this to be true. Faster-oh yeah. Better brakes-indeed. More reliable-how about 2 year unlimited mile warrantees? So after being down sick for the past two weekends, I dug into my collection of magazines and caught up on reading from 1969 to 1989. 1000cc Sportsters that one writer questioned how anyone could hang onto so much power? Today's 400cc go faster. From 82hp Z-1's that would do run a 12.3 second quarter mile. Try 180hp. Try the Hyabusa who runs the same distance in 9.5 seconds! To top ends of over 155mph! Speed limited now by Euro laws to 186mph, or 300 kph hour if you want to seem really fast! But the more they changed, the same words described them-faster, quicker, newer! Without these three words those who design headlines would have had to search for newer words. Slower and older just don't move the merchandise. With just enough emphasis in their ads to remind you that faster, quicker, and newer is really what you wanted. The what ifs of your dreams. So you just had to have the new models. So you too could be faster and quicker. And at least newer until you had shown off to all your friends. Sad, because the one consistency that I was loyal to was the fact I could never afford them. $1995 for a Z-1? I was over my head on my 350 at $825. So I started/continued my career of what if I had the money, which is the basis of all dreams. What if. What if I had the two grand to step up to 140mph? What if I had the money to buy headers and engine kits to even increase the power? Looking back prices were low as compared to today, but it seems my income always met the same requirement-not enough. I remember passing on a GS750 because I could not afford the extra $300! Looking back my life was really a what is-and remains that way to this day.
Not that I have given up hope, but reality steps in when you wake up from your dreams. This is not necessarily a bad thing, for I have been blessed in my reality. But the words "someday" seem to end so many dreams that I still have. What if.... becoming consoling me, instead of the reality. For each of us it works at a different level. A twelve inch reach with a six inch grasp. How many times has the person who bought your old bike been as thrilled to get it as you were to get a new one? Seems we are all on the same trip, the road leading to what if, which is ridden on the road of what is. Someday being the consolation we find security in. With the only curse being that once our what if becomes a what is, a new what if will immediately appear to start the process all over again. Truly the more things change, the more they stay the same. So-let's go riding!
Perhaps the one thing, in fact the only thing that interrupts this process in life is Jesus. Once I came to Him, everything else paled by comparison. And He became the standard I judge all things by. Drugs-they wear off, and leave a trail of destruction. Like alcohol does. Women-God gave me the one He knew was best. 34 years later He is still right. Kids-if you don't have them you will never know the side of God as father. Don't try-can't be done. And save your bad advice for yourself, you don't get it. Jobs-I once made enough to buy all the toys, and found I didn't want to. For truly once you meet Jesus nothing else compares. What if? He is a who is. Where? Everywhere. When? An eternal right now. How? You must be born again. His promises-guaranteed.
Someone have a new revelation abut God? Blasphemy. A quicker way to riches? Try that one in Sudan. Name it and claim it? He already did that when He chose us. Why not pray simply like He suggests, "thy will be done." Ask Jesus, and He will give to you exceedingly abundantly-more than you could ever ask for or imagine.
Sorry-I don't mean things, so throw away the list. He ain't Santa, who doesn't come if you are naughty. Thankfully. He loves you the way you are. He brings love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, long-suffering, and self control. And when applied to the headline from the cycle magazines, you find He is faster-how about right now. Quicker-you want to see that again? Newer-His mercies are new every morning?
He tells us we will dream dreams. I like that. I still have roads to travel yet, on bikes I never heard of, but now they are now guided by the Spirit. His Spirit. Not a what if, just a when. For who is makes it all possible. What if leaves me wanting, Jesus never does.
With one final question for all who doubt, WHAT IF what they say about Jesus is true? Can you afford to be wrong for eternity? That what if is really a who is-Jesus.
Once again for the very first time the answer is still the same-Jesus. Quit fighting and start living. Your what ifs could be your what is right now! Is that quick enough for you?
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com