Back before attending school everyday was just a revenue enhancer for the school boards, we actually went to school to learn something. Reading, 'riting, and 'rithmetic...as the song went. We were told that to get an education was the way to higher salaries, bigger cars, larger mortgages, and more ulcers-well maybe not the last one. We went to school, and never considered not going. Well at least until high school, and when we had our license we would sneak off to the shore. Or on nice spring days to go riding. But we accepted the fact we were doing wrong, and reluctantly paid the price-until the next temptation came along. And it seems temptation only came in the form of breaking the laws, we would never call it sin-that was for Baptists. No-we were just young, immature, wild, and rode motorcycles. We never thought about tomorrow for today had enough thrills of its own. We didn't look back, but still could look ahead, for the future was bright and shiny like our rides, not dull and worn out like the past. Last years bikes weren't cool, that would take another generation. Longer, lower, and wider was what we wanted in cars. Faster, brighter, and more chrome sold bikes. We were so busy keeping up with the Jones that we never saw the future coming for what it was. And when we got there, the only place we really found security in was the old days. Where did we make the wrong turn? Did we miss an exit?
Each generation is faced with the future, but in recent years has tended to migrate to the past. When I pull up next to a guy on a Ninja, when I'm on my Bonneville, I'm old school. When you attend a car show, and a '40 Ford rumbles by hot rodded out, it's old school. And when someone shows manners and courtesy to another, those are old school rules. Not much hope for the future, we have become a society of Classic Rock, Classic Coke, classic cars, and classic bikes. When really we are classic people, and maybe the last generation to truly have something to look back on. School was never as cool as old school, if only we had known then what we do now. No one looks back to the future.
After riding in LA last weekend, I don't think I ever met anyone who decided to go to the city to ride for the weekend. For the roads. It is always the canyons above Malibu, the twisties above Santa Paula, or getting out into the country. Ride away from not to the urban sprawl. Seems we are all looking for that simpler time, with less hassles, less people, more peace, and better roads. Roads not 6 lanes wide, and still backed up, but roads where we can ride our own ride, and stop and remind each other how much fun we are having, because it reminds us how much fun we used to have. Two lanes-one in each direction, for coming and going. And like the CSN&Y song says, "we've got to get back to the garden..." Not realizing that it was sin that got us here, and that more sin won't get us back.
But the garden still calls to our heart. The country, where there is peace. And as a Christian it don't get more old school than God. For after we sinned, and were forced from the Garden of Eden, generations have been seeking a way to get back. Through drugs, riches, wealth, politics, careers, or even religion-we are all looking for Eden, at least what we perceive it to be. But Jesus tells us that He is the way. In fact He is the door! When God sealed off Eden from man, He put angels there to guard it with swords-and Jesus is the only way in. Heaven is how we refer to it today, and Eden was heaven. No sin, no crime, perfect weather-no rain until the flood, and a presence of God all the time. With only one rule-don't eat from a certain tree, which our ancestors did-and well, here we are. And for 6000 years have wandered outside of the garden wondering how to get back.
Heaven awaits those who believe-no other way, no other payments, or no other works to be performed. Jesus paid it all. The only price that could be paid, He paid. The original old school, the truth. And maybe that is why we still search today-for no one else tells us the truth. Maybe today is the day you stop looking, and realize what you are looking for is only found in Jesus.
There are many good roads, but only one leads to heaven. There are many good ways to live, but only the righteous, those who are right with God will be saved. There are many good philosophies-but only Jesus is the truth, the way, and the life! So here's a choice for you to make, old school-Jesus, or New Age-trying to make it on your own.
Only one way will get us back to the garden. He is God and you aren't. Keep that in mind when you go searching. Looking back old school wasn't old school, but just school. We knew what was expected, then it was our choice what to do. And we are still offered that choice today with Jesus. He doesn't force Himself on anyone, but desires you to return with Him to the garden. A place of peace, where the lion and the lamb get along. No politics-just grace. No competition, because who can do better than God's best? Quiet, solitude, and perfect weather-do I hear any bikers say AMEN to that?
CSN&Y was right-we are looking to get back to the garden. Not a new song, but one Jesus has been singing for 2000 years. Take the time today and look to Him. Look at what old school brings to life, and compare it to what goes on in schools today. No wonder we look back-because outside of Christ we have nothing to look forward to. Not old school-how about just school? No religion, how about just Jesus? And you will find that the garden starts in your heart...and the road you ride on with Jesus brings you closer everyday.
Alice Cooper was right about school being out for summer. So enjoy the ride to an endless vacation...no more pencils, no more books, no more teacher's dirty looks! No religion, too. Interested? Talk to Jesus, the road ahead never looked so good! See you at the next assembly-in the Garden! Schools out...forever!
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogpsot.com
pictures courtesy of my friends at BA-Moto.com they should have stayed in school!