The Eagles sang "I might live my life upon the road, just trying to add to
what I know.." and over the years we have added many miles, meals, friendships,
and experiences to what we know. Some friends we only see once a year, planning
our journey around them, and some we see once every few years. But as change is
a constant in every life, so many changes have happened this year, and the past
few that so will our travel plans. From places to eat closing, old roads being
replaced or rerouted, and old friends moving on, or moving out, many places will
have a different persona when revisited again.
In a year of surprises, our next visit with some will be much different.
We miss Mary FNY this Christmas season, as for the past few years she has been
our companion. And the perfect hostess when we visited her in Long Beach, NY,
two summers ago. But all has changed in her life-first a grand daughter who
will keep her closer to home. But she is now without a home to go to, as Sandy
has wiped her out among many others. Her Suzuki and Mustang towed away,
victims. And as we think of her, we are reminded of thousands like her...and we
will miss her, and hope to be guests in her home again soon.
Scotch Plains will be different on the next visit. My Dad died in May, and
after years of it not being my house anymore, it was referred to as my parents.
now we call it my Mother's, and this Christmas will be her first without her
husband. Somehow it will be different without him there, her best friend of
over 61 years gone. And one less reason for me to go to Scotch Plains...mostly
memories now...and the new neighbors wouldn't know who I am anyway.
Andrew has lost friends again this year, at way too young an age. And I
think of his best friend Cole many times, almost 5 years now. He was a tough,
crazy kid who loved to ride. But who always gave me a hug, and was not ever
embarrassed to tell me he loved me in public. He used to call me "Prayer Man"
and once told me I was the only one besides his aunt who could make him cry.
His tears with me were always from the heart, a bigger man than any of his
friends could imagine.
Durango will never be the same to me after this summer. After being life
flighted, Dal took Theresa to Albuquerque, a short 250 mile drive, and came down
to see her, reminding me "I'm only here for her," and it was the right thing to
do. Love will do that. At 76 he has been without his love, Ann for over 8
years now, and talked of girl friends-now he is remarried and living in Texas,
where he is from. Only Dean remains in Durango, and he is more than enough
reason to return. So Texas will be on our next long trip, to see Dal and the
new Mrs., and Dana and her family, and Warren and his. Friends for over 30
years, when we go years between visits, we just pick up where we left off.
Friends can do that-just be themselves. And all of these were, are, and
continue to be my friends. I will also add Don Wurth, Sr. to that list.
Jacob's grandpa, and Donnie's Dad. Although I knew him very little, I still
have a great affection and respect for him. I know Donnie misses him, but will
carry on and assist his mom as needed. Families do that for each other-they can
be friends too!
A lesson Job would learn. After being verbally accosted and accused by his
friends, Job fired back at them. All they could see was his sin, not God at
all. But Job knew God, so could ask them "have you ever questioned those who
travel, have you paid no attention to their accounts?" Job 21:29. Trying to
help, but not helping at all. Causing more pain, and pushing the limits of
friendship. Men coming to see him from afar, but who should have stayed home.
But recorded here for our benefit, so we don't follow them in their footsteps.
The Eagles also sang "and some day when I settle down, all my friends will
be around... "And I hope you are, for the greatest lesson I learned this summer
was you have no choice in when or where, or even how you will die. I should
have, but didn't, that's God's grace. I was with Jesus while alive in the
spirit, and can't wait until I am again. I want to go back to that time and be
with Him. But until I do, when He says so, I have many more miles, and many
more friends to make. And places to go that I would never expect. Me, life
flighted? I never would have even imagined that! So when God talks of heaven,
"eye has not seen, ear has not heard, nor mind imagined the things of God," it
means here on earth for us too. We can enjoy all that he has for us while
alive. Some will die, refusing Him, and hell awaits them. The sad thing is they
didn't have to, their is no rescue from salvation, only from sin. Jesus came to
rescue us from it, to be redeemed. God sends no one to hell-it is their
choice. And if you choose to deny Him here, He will honor your request in
heaven-He doesn't push Himself on anyone.
If you are reading this, and have said yes to Jesus, heaven awaits. If
not, choose Him today. He is merciful, loving, and forgiving-and patient that
none should perish. I want all my friends to be around.
Don't wait until an helicopter ride interrupts your ride, or your
vacation. I tell people Jesus rides with me, and I am glad He was with me this
summer. At home or on the road-don't leave earth without Him! All my friends,
and that includes you-Jesus hopes you are around. And so do I...forever.
Puts a whole new perspective on my travel accounts doesn't it? Now do I
have your attention? Does Jesus? Let's ride!
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com