On every trip you take, no matter the time or the length, their is always one section you wish you didn't have to ride. For a short commute, it may a string of lights that never are in sequence-patented by Escondido by the way, a section where a cop always sits waiting to ticket you at 41 in the 40 zone-fortunately he always has someone pulled over when you go whizzing by at 50 when you forget, or a stretch of highway like US 85 north out of Cheyenne on the way to Sturgis-more cattle than cars, and not many of them either. Maybe it is like going to Mary FNY's house from my parents in Jersey, 54 miles that takes two hours, and two toll bridges, Goethals $8.00 and the Verrazano $13.00! Half price for those wise enough to ride a motorcycle. But it seems that their is always going to be that one section of road, that messes up your mind while anticipating it, stresses you our while on it, and then leaves the residue of the memory of riding it as you ride on.
And when we finally arrive at our destination, we find no joy in the memory of the ride. Our wallet is lighter from tolls, we may have met the lousy revenue enhancer with the words "to protect and serve" on his car, or arrive in the Black Hills, not sure what time it is because of the imaginary line drawn via the railroads to create time zones. And no matter if an hour early, or an hour late, you're still hungry. So it must be lunch time! And on these excursions which lead us to somewhere, we have actually become a prisoner of the road, rather than enjoying the freedom on it.
How far is the next town, we often wonder while wandering on our rides? Good for planning gas and potty stops, or a home made root beer in New England. How about waiting an extra hour trying to figure out the roads in Pittsburgh, and shoot down the alley to Primanti's? Or my reserve light just came on, and the sign says next town 35 miles, 10 miles more than I have ever gone on reserve before? It seems there is always something to try and rob us of the joy of life and riding. Something very subtle, that we can't get out of minds, so go out of our minds. Like the stretch of road in eastern Tennessee, where you can go both east and west on US 70 at the same time. Or why do the roads in Massachusetts have no distance between towns signs? Or why in Texas, where roads are measured in hours till we arrive due to the size of the state, do they remind you every 5 miles of the distance to the next town? Why do Florida welcome stations have free OJ, and on a hot day served in 4oz. cups? Give me 8 please, I have a family in the car-hoping she won't see your helmet. It seems that no matter how we live, love, or travel, their are rules, regulations, signs, or somebody that will mess up the ride. But what do we do when that person is us?
Stay home? But then you have to contend with a wife and kids. Or the dog. Or the various people who notice you're home, and stop by to see why. The same ones who frown at you as your dog sniffs out a spot to go in their foot high weeds in their yard. Or the kids next door pick that day to have all their friends over. Yes, it seems that there is always something there to remind you of how life can interfere with your plans. Remember the song, Alice's Restaurant? And you thought it was made up? The song was more real than Arlo himself.
Such was the plight of Noah. For 120 years God had him build an ark, for his family he didn't have yet, for an event that had never happened before-rain. But he heard the voice of God, and followed it, despite the threats, jokes, graffiti, and all the fun made at his expense. He trusted God, because he knew His voice, and as hard as the times were, he was able to look ahead, knowing God would get him there safely. From what, he wasn't sure, but safe is safe no matter the road, or the detour. And he understood the importance of who you travel with. Even more when he and his family got in the ark and God sealed it up. And had to listen to those who had harassed him begging to be let in. But that only lasted for a short time. The memories lingered longer.
God's plans include you. And if the road you are on is rough, it means you are probably on the right road. Cops to warn, lights to protect us, tolls to break us, and signs to tell us where we are-or where we are going. And we never ride alone, even when we want to, for God never leaves us. Better than a GPS, He is the coordinates. Better than any road sign, He is the shortest distance, or the most scenic ride. He is the view from the top of the Verrazano, or the view from the gorge under the New River Bridge. He is the endless hills in Wyoming, and the Black Hills with gold. And no time zone can hold Him, He is time!
Like a good road is the destination, Jesus Christ is the final destination. And He is here right now! So enjoy the ride with Him. Rough roads, He will take you through, He knows where all the potholes of life are. Bridges-He knows how to get you over the obstacles in your life. The law-He died fulfilling it so you can live in His love, known as mercy and grace. And He has paid the price-in full, no toll booths on the way to heaven. Curves for motorcycles, wide lanes for trucks, and the scenic ways for those who seek Him, and want to enjoy the ride even more.
Trust Him today. Avoid the lousy commute, make the time more valuable with Him. If it takes 15 minutes more, listen to KWVE, and another teaching. Pay the toll for the guy behind you-really make his day. Maybe the Christian sticker on your car will finally mean something to him. And enjoy the ride as never before-without rushing!
This ride is called life, and only ridden in fullness with Jesus. Ask Him along on your next commute, or trip to the east coast. Enjoy the beauty that surrounds you, and if you really want to mess up someone's ride, smile at them. And mean it. If a biker, say follow me, I know this road. If in a car, let them merge in ahead of you. Pray for those stressed out, and don't be like them. For you don't have to be-the choice is yours!
Would Noah ride? What he would ride is the better question. But we can be sure he would ride with Jesus. Someone he knows, and trusts. Maybe you would trust Him more if you knew Him better? Take a ride to consider that. May be the best ride you ever take! For He rides, not sure what on any given day, but whatever you are on, believe me-He can keep up! Suddenly the ride has a whole new attitude! Enjoy it! With God!
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com