The novelty of rain has once again embraced So Cal, changing, altering, and
cancelling our plans. Despite the fact that the weatherman told us it would
rain, I am still always taken by surprise when it really does. And as the rain
beats down on our roof, and the under watered vegetation gets a good soaking, I
will have to review my plans, and go in the car. Unlike many of you who ride
when the weather is perfect, but still take the car anyway, we ride. And until
it doesn't make sense to ride locally for errands, we will seek alternative
transportation, aka the car. In it I will be treated to such luxuries as a
climate controlled cabin, wipers, a stereo, and somehow stay dry and
disconnected from the same roads I ride daily. I will have to go slower, cannot
use the commuter lane alone, and no lane splitting in the car. It will take
over $40 of gas to get me where $15 would on any of my motorcycles, and no
helmet head to boast of later. No packages bungeed to the seat, no convenient
up front parking, and no one to wave back to-I'm in a car. No one waves in
cars. Maybe now you can get it when we call them a cage. No wind in my face,
no great smells past the bakery, no thrills in the corners. Tucked into the
security of 4-doors and a windshield I will go about my business today. Or as
far as $40 of gas will get me.
When planning a trip I always figure the cost of gas. At 40-45 mpg on the
Tiger, I can travel almost 600 miles a day on the same costs of gas that will
take me 150 today. Over a period of a couple of weeks, that's real money. The
difference between an over priced Happy Meal and supersizing it. More money,
more food, less nutrition. More fast food, and less sit down mad being waited
on. Less of "let's go back and check that out," and more of how far to the
nearest gas station. But today will be errands, mostly for Christmas, so maybe
the rain will help buffer the fact I would need to drive instead of ride
anyway. After all it is the Christmas season, some concessions can be made.
And my rides will be safe and warm in the garage when I get home. Sad faced,
like the dog when she gets left behind for a walk, but ready for the nice
weather tomorrow.
And then there is the guy selling umbrellas and raincoats. The car
detailers whose business will also boom a few days after the rain stops, so all
is not as gloomy as the weather looks. But also those who live in the desert
welcome the rain, as do most farmers. They will tell you that nothing beats
rain for irrigation, there are nutrients and elements to rainwater that our tap
water cannot duplicate. So today while riding in a cage, I will be thankful for
the cage, and for the blessings the rain will bring. I only wish it would only
happen while I'm asleep at night. For the sun also has its benefits.
God tells us that the rain falls on the just and the unjust. You figure
out which you are. Either way you get wet, and dry out after it is over. And I
reflect on Mary and those I know back in Long Island and Jersey, who have
suffered through, and continue to suffer after Sandy. So many good people, who
lost everything, and so many who will never fully recover. But the same God
that allowed the rain is also the same God who sends the sun. And who sent His
only son, Jesus, to make the way back to Him. I'm not sure why, but it takes a
storm to bring us closer, or back to God. The bigger the storm, the more to
lose-but also the most to gain. And He knows that, so allows them, even
sometimes sends them into our lives. And just how He allows and provides cars
and rain suits for those of us who ride, He provides shelter to those who need
it. But you must listen to Him. And as a society we feel the need to reach
out, name a topic, there is a ride, fund raiser, or some sort of concert going
on for the victims. But as we saw first hand in Joplin, one-to-one ministry is
most effective. And God knows that in all of our situations, which is why in
love He reaches out to us. He is the rain to the farmer, and the sun to the
flood victims. He is calm in the storm, keeping us safe. A strong tower, He is
called. His grace is sufficient-not too much, not too little, not early, not
late. But you must take His offer, or suffer. Which is why so many suffer more
than they have too, He has provided a way out via Jesus-when it is so simple,
why do so many still say no? Or worse yet, accuse Him and turn against
Him?
In the midst of your storm today turn to Jesus. He is there to help, in a
way you can't imagine. Just ask Peter, one morning at 4 am He sees Jesus
walking on a stormy lake. And after falling in, calls on Him to help, and
reaching out His hand Jesus pulls Him out, and immediately they are at their
destination. He not only saves, but delivers us, too.
So a ride in the rain will not alter me too much. Might even do me good,
as I can get my errands done. And after the rain, there is a rainbow. A sign
from God of His love, and how He will never flood the earth again with rain.
But it takes clouds and rain to bring the rainbow. Let all the promises of God
be yours today through His promises, and bask in the light of His son, Jesus.
As for me, wow-I get to ride in the car today! Safe in the ark that God has
provided-only Noah will ever appreciate seeing the sun more again. Whether you
see His son is up to you. Sonshine with showers-God has our scenery set.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com