Finally, the day you have waited for all winter has arrived, and the
pitchers and catchers arrive at spring training. After a long winter with no
baseball, you finally have a new reason to live. And as you go to spring
training, you catch up with old friends, and review with each other what you did
all winter without baseball in anticipation of the new season. Opening day
comes, and you are there-like always, and other season ticket holders renew
acquaintances with you-and the season opener begins the long awaited
season.
You endure May, June, July, and the dog days of August, hoping some day,
some how your team rallies from 15 games out, that would be nice, but it is
about the game more. Winning would just be an added bonus. Then it's
after Labor Day, and soon the last two weeks of the season are upon you. Season
one is almost over, but you are rewarded with a second season, the playoffs, and
you are excited, even if your team isn't included. And then you can't believe
the World Series is over, and another year has passed. Winter is here...and you
look forward to next spring. The season is over.
It is late September, and you start to notice the leaves changing colors,
and starting to fall. The riding season is almost over, and you plan on not
missing one weekend that remains. Even up early when the temp is below 40, you
know that 60 will feel warm soon. And that soon all the honey do's that waited
until winter, will now get done-as long as they are inside. With the exception
of an Indian summer weekend, or nice day without snow. But the season is over,
and soon you drive down to the shop to visit, meeting your friends, somehow
different without helmet head and a line of bikes parked outside. It is winter,
and you wonder how many years until spring finally arrives.
But each spring, no matter how excited you are, you notice some are
missing. Where' Pete? He was always here for spring training? Somehow it
won't be opening day with Bill and Patty...and you realize that another season
has ended, just as as new one begins. That certain friends who made it
worthwhile won't be there...that their season of life has ended. You quit
waiting for Gerald to show up at the diner, and you miss his bike parked
outside. You start to invite others to sit where he did with you, they ride,
and are cool-but it's not the same. Your season of waiting has arrived, but
their season never did. Through death, sickness, or inability, they are gone.
And it makes an impact on you. You remember them, and miss them, but you start
the season without them. Having to make adjustments to the new, knowing the old
normal is gone...and wondering, what will the new normal be? How long until my
season ends, and they miss me?
God has promised us many things, among them a life rich and abundant in
Jesus Christ. He is there for every season, every ride, and every home opener.
He knows we won't be, and shows us how valuable each day is, and not to look to
tomorrow, but enjoy today. Don't wish for a time when things will be better,
enjoy what you have now. For He also promises no man tomorrow, and so many live
for that time that never arrives. Clinging to hope, neglecting today, but never
seeing the next spring. We know that believers enter heaven-a season that has
no end, but those who reject the gospel have an even longer season in hell. But
what about those who are left to endure the next season? Who ministers to them,
and sees them through?
Jesus also told us to weep with them that weep. It is normal to mourn, yet
some don't because of pride, or just because they won't. It isn't cool. Not
normal. Their old normal is shattered, and they are depressed, or misled while
looking for that new normal. Unwilling to let go of the past, they live an
unsure future...and it doesn't have to be that way. I have been that close to
death, and when talking with those that lost loved ones, or beat death for now,
we have a different view on life. We look for that new normal, and know we
can't go back. We have no chance for the past...but in Christ we have a great
future, and a great right now. If only we let God lead us. For the same God
that gave us baseball and motorcycles, has created other things for our
pleasure-number one among them a relationship with Him. Something you can have
with your other seasons, but now He may be all you have to cling too. And will
be and is everything you need.
Find some time today to do those honey do's. For a time may come when
honey isn't. Don't wait until the next ride, explore those new roads today.
Eat that meal where you always wanted to. Not tomorrow, or next time-NOW! And
find time to call and spend with those families who have lost someone. Or have
had a life changing experience, or can't get out. You may be three miracle they
need to bring them life. How exciting to be given some surprise tickets. To be
treated to dinner. Or to hear the roar of motorcycles parked out front. And
find a new normal in your own life that doesn't revolve around you. Include
God, and watch as all games this season have a new meaning, and each ride more
excitement. Watch as He adds life to your style, and a new and better normal
awaits those whose lives have changed. Be involved as God would have you, and
"Play ball!" What a better excuse to ride than to brighten someone else's day!
It starts with you and Jesus. He has His ticket, and His bike is fueled. Let's
ride!
Why be bored or bummed, when a new and exciting normal is calling! Start
now...remember that promise about tomorrow? Better yet remember God's promises
about today!
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew 25biker.blogspot.com