It looks like I will be back riding next week. And hopefully riding more
bikes from Triumph's Press Fleet by Labor Day. After eight long weeks, riding
again will be reality. Something that at one time I could never imagine doing
again, then told it would take months, I shall be doing in weeks. A passion for
riding that God has given me will be fulfilled, all but closing out the
emotional and physical healing since my surgery. Another miracle in a long list
of them.
Riding so many different bikes, when asked by someone who hasn't ridden
that model, I have to try and describe it to them. It handles like, is faster
than, has better brakes, and it is all relative to what they may have ridden.
And they can only imagine, since they haven't experienced them. They are left
up to their own devices of what they must be like, but fall short of the true
experience-of really having ridden. How many times have I heard friends
describe me riding a bike that is yet unavailable to the public, like they rode
it themselves, quickly changing their tune when asked if they rode it. Unless
you have ridden it, it is just hearsay. Even courts won't admit that.
Since my open heart surgery, I have heard various heart and arterial
procedures described as open heart. I had been warned by a doctor and a nurse
that many would do this, and not even realize they were-some who even have only
had stints replaced think that they have had open heart. And a man I met last
night told me about his open heart surgery, only to have had a pacemaker
installed. Still serious, but not open heart. At least to those in the cardiac
profession. So when I met a young man yesterday, who was glad to see me, he
told me he knew many who had open heart surgery, and knew quite a bit about it.
And as he rambled, he sounded foolish. So I stopped him-abruptly, and told him
I really did have open heart surgery, and although knew little about it, would
he like to see my scar? I had been there-not sure where he had been. And then
he left, I guess I'll never know. It's like learning about LA from a news
report, or seeing a post card. You have to go there to experience it.
Of late I have begun to feel like Moses. When he came off the mountain
after time with God, he was faced with trying to describe something infinite in
finite terms. No way anyone could know what he had been through, God kept it
that way, very personal between the two of them. And while in a coma, and
after, God has taken me to very intimate, personal places with Him. Things I
cannot describe, like the peace He gave me. Way beyond euphoria, way beyond
emotions, I was totally in His love. And this wasn't even heaven, as one time I
asked if I was still alive, and when He answered yes, blew my mind of what
heaven would be. I have tried to even rethink the thoughts, but I cannot. God
gave me this time for me-and doesn't want me to share it with anyone else but
Him-so He made it that personal. He even fulfills scripture in this when He
says "eye has not seen, no ear heard, nor mind imagined the things of God." And
I have lived this scripture, with a jealous God who doesn't want to share me
with things of the world. He wants nothing to come between us. And like He
took Moses up on the mountain so they could be alone without interference, He
took me in the spirit while in a coma and showed me love-in a place where no one
would bother us. That's love.
But unlike where He gave Moses His law written on tablets of stone, He
wrote on my heart. And left me with a scar if anyone doubts. But also left His
unique nail pierced handprint on my heart that no one else can see-our time
together was that special. Truly my surgery was open heart-physically and
spiritually.
Trust God today. Pick up your cross and follow Him. It takes a sacrifice,
but the rewards are indescribable. You see if could describe them, it wouldn't
be God. Joy unspeakable and full of glory.
Just you and Jesus. And He offers it to all His children, who have earned
the right by accepting Jesus. Don't wait for surgery-His offer is available
now-let's pray.
love with compassion,
Mike
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