Face it, we live in a stressful world. And if as you are reading this you aren't, rest assured by the end of the day you will be. You see, the world is out to get you, a comforting thought for those of you who are paranoid, and evidence against those in denial. Maybe not you personally, but the three things of evil, the world, the flesh, and the devil are out to do you in. Not a major victory or catastrophe maybe, but maybe something simple as cold fries with your burger, or "I said no mustard" on your burger can ruin a great day. A dead battery, a mark on your new Arai, or where are my keys can just set you off. You mean we have to go in the car is one of my favorites. So we need an escape, and an escape route. But sometimes the entrance to it is obscured, blocked, or sometimes just not available. A detour until the next exit.
For those of us who ride, who really ride and enjoy the motorcyclist lifestyle, the freedom of riding can be our panacea. Nothing like the freedom of the road, until someone on their cell phone cuts you off-and the dirty look that you did something wrong hurts worse. I saw a t-shirt that said "honk if you never saw a gun fired from a motorcycle" and I like the attitude, but maybe not the action. You see the stress is there, just waiting to mess up your day, and you don't even have to look for it-it finds you!
So I have some of my "therapy" rides and roads I take often. Just to get away, and spend time alone with God. To not worry about things, but just to ride and enjoy the sounds of the exhaust, to enjoy the music it makes at higher rpm's. To go slow if I want, or charge into a corner, leaving the world and its snares behind. To be free from thought, or as deep in thought as I care to be. A moment that can stretch for miles, or make one section of pavement make my whole day brighter. Where time stands still, while I don't. No stress, no conversations, no cars, and no SUV's. Just me, and time with God well spent.
I have different roads for these moods-and NO-I will not disclose them. Nor should you share yours. Just what you don't need is company on these asphalt nirvanas. Just like too many roads that appear on PASHNIT, that I used to ride before they advertised them and turned them into two lane freeways. Some things better off not said-agreed? Your smile tells me you get it.
But back to the world. It offers psychiatry as a release. We can control your moods by drugs or therapy. We know what's best for you. And they lie. As I found out when I applied for SDI. Because of constant pain from two types of arthritis, they thought I was depressed because I have trouble sleeping. So off to a state sponsored psych I went. Per their request. Who asked if I was afraid to die? "NO-I am a Christian and heaven awaits." Well, then because I wasn't afraid to die, I must be suicidal. You need therapy. "NO-I am not suicidal, I trust God." Well, how about anti-depressants for 30 days and we can recheck you? "NO-I don't do drugs, I am not depressed, I am not suicidal." Note-after 20 minutes of this I could see how some would become homicidal! Well you must be depressed, you have trouble sleeping. "NO-I have constant leg and shoulder pain, that's why I don't sleep like I want." And in desperation, his last attempt, why don't we ask your wife. We will put you on drugs for 30 days, and ask her if she sees a difference. "NO! I am not depressed, either is she, and we don't do drugs. We don't do therapy." And stay out of my marriage and family. He really gave me a strange look when I told him I do counsel others, and use the Bible. And the look of disbelief when I said when I do have a problem, I pray or ask a pastor. What-no drugs? No therapy? How unworldly? Sigmund-HELP! To quote Nancy Reagan-JUST SAY NO! So I did, and do. See you should really be scared when you hear "I'm from the government and I'm here to help." Remember the government sponsored motorcycle back in the 70's under Joan Claybrook that only went backwards? Obviously this guy doesn't ride. And shouldn't. A good thing, for most who do are a better class of people, we don't need him or his kind messing with our freedom.
So that is why you will never see my motorcycle, and why you should never see a motorcycle in front of a psychiatrist's office. They're nuts! And why the freedom of riding is still the better way. You see Jesus promises us peace and joy-something beyond understanding. Something that cannot be chronicled or controlled by drugs. Something that is completely at odds with the world and its pseudo remedies. So next time the stress knocks at your door, answer it and turn to Jesus-"hey Lord, it's for you." Let Him deal with it-He knows how. And let the joy fill your soul and the peace that goes with it. Find that road, and make sure He is on it with you. It's that personal.
Remember any road with Jesus is better than any road without Him. Greater is he who is in Him, than he who is in the world. And greater is he who rides, for we never have to face psychiatrists! And if you do encounter one who rides, be careful. Not all who come in the name of motorcycling enjoy the freedom. Just like all who come under religion want to control. True freedom is only found in Jesus-no matter the road you are on.
Take a ride, spend some time with Him and see why, then you will understand why you never see motorcycles parked in a psychiatrist's office.
Take a ride, spend some time with Him and see why, then you will understand why you never see motorcycles parked in a psychiatrist's office.
But you do at church.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot