When I look back to tickling carbs to start my bike, then kicking it instead of pushing a button, I am reminded how simple life can be. When I think about how I used to pull out the choke to start my car, I am reminded of a procedure done by hand, not by computer. When I think of how we used to start our cars on cold mornings, then go back in for one more cup of coffee, I am impressed with how far they have come. For even then, if we did sit in it while it warmed up, so we wouldn't stumble off, we had no cup holders. Remember the first cups with lids on them, and how Circle K had a dash mounted cup? My friend Fred even put one on his motorcycle. Tapes won't play in extreme cold, so you had just an AM radio playing top hits, or listening to yesterday's news today. Listening for something new, but it being too early in the day for anything to have yet happened. With every five minutes being told how cold it was, just in case you missed a sudden surge in temperature. In your mind, but not your body, hurrying against the cold, only to repeat the procedure when going home. The only difference being attitude-I wanted to get home. Still do.
When living in Colorado, at 8300', our car would freeze to the road every night. Minus 30 degrees will do that. Sometimes 20 minutes of high idle wasn't enough, and you would still struggle to get down a hill, barely making it up the next one. Heaters only work when there is hot water, and you are reminded why they are called cooling systems. Why when is it below zero, the same cold blast of air isn't as welcome as on a 100 degree day.
We were part of the starting procedure, and it started with us. Push in the key, turn on the choke, after hitting the gas pedal twice, turn key and hope. Repeat key turning 3-4 times. Then sit and wait. The good old days. Now-get in turn key, and if it doesn't start immediately go to complain mode. Drive off after a few seconds, for the computer will compensate for rough running, cold, and even our own ignorance. Before we had to learn to drive, now people just point and steer-free to talk on a cell phone while they cut you off. Participation meaning it is all about me, I am in a hurry, usually because I am late, and everyone will know about it. Get out of my way-here I come!
Sadly people like this are this way in all of their life activities. They are the ones whose kids show up late to soccer. Who are late to school, and who climb over you while singing in church because they are late. Heaven help the one who points this out to them. But a consistency is present is all these cases-they are always late for practice, school, and church-because they can be. Stressed out, using every last second to have an excuse, then feeling no remorse when they are called on it. Late still means late. Stupid hurts. And the saga of "it's all about me" continues.
One night at a men's gathering, one of leaders got up to leave. He had to catch a plane to China. I asked, "shouldn't we pray for him?" The room got quiet, until another co-leader spoke up, "he's in a hurry. We prayed earlier." It got quieter when I reminded them that Jesus never hurried. And that He was never late! And He was always on time. Then it got really quiet.
I can also reflect on when I first got saved. My roommate and I would do a short devotion, then pray every morning. I had to be at work at 830am, about ten minutes from home. And even though I would leave at 825, or even 835, I was never late. Somehow God honored me, because I honored Him first. I learned not to rush, but to put Him first. Never once punching in after 830am! My first experience of obedience, honoring God, and putting Him first.
Where are you rushing off to today? In the world's eyes time is the only commodity that you cannot get back. But in God's eyes, time is timeless. He calls it eternity. So stop-there's that time thing again, and ask God to help you enjoy time more. Take the time when prompted by the Holy Spirit to stop and minister. Is it a surprise to God when the light turns red? Or the one in front of you goes so slow? Use your time wisely, guided by God, and watch as you control time-rather than time controlling you. David Bowie wrote "time can change me, but I can't change time." Another rock and roll truth. But get to know and trust the one who can.
Jesus Christ changes life. Walk with Him and you will never be late. You can have the extra cup of coffee-sorry latte you trendy types. For if He leads, you are just where He wants you to be. On a path He created, and in His time. Never late, never early-always on time. Even on warm mornings!
Get in, sit down, and listen! When it is all about Jesus rather than you, His voice comes through clearer. Even in a helmet! So relax. Take the time to ride with Jesus today. It's about time!
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com