There is something special about a midweek ride. Maybe it is the excitement of missing work, and riding roads without all the weekend warriors out to impress you. Maybe it is sleeping in, and hitting the road later in the day, say 8am. Maybe it is the choice to ride where you want, when you want, and how fast you want, all by yourself. Maybe it is the special feeling of freedom when you pass someone in their car on their way to work, and you're not-you're going riding! Maybe it is all the above, and then some, some intangibles that there are no words for. It is about the peace and solitude of just you and the road you choose-so let's go riding!
My lifestyle allows me to ride during the week, which for years I yearned to do, but couldn't. I wanted to be that person going no where special, as long as it wasn't to work, or anyplace that told me what to do. Forego all responsibilities, and enjoy the day that God made and has given you. And my peer group of midweek riders is much different than those on the weekends. We tend to be older, mostly retired, and not is any hurry. We choose to ride alone, or maybe with a special friend, who we don't have to wait for, or ride too slow, or heaven forbid, too fast with. We ride our ride, for it is our day. We wave at each other, and the egos seem smaller, or at least better under control. We have fewer people to impress, and realize how privacy has eroded away in our society, making these rides that more important. We choose the roads we want to, and if they get crowded, a detour can be a welcome event. We ride roads that have fewer cars, and go past hangouts that are closed or empty-ones that cater only to the weekend riders. We are a welcome stranger in our own land, and the thoughts, sights, scenes, and food we spend the day with are a welcome retreat from real life. Our battery gets charged, along with the bikes, and while choosing to ride instead of doing a list of chores at home, we get refreshed. The grass will grow again, cars will always need washing, and a list of things to fix or repair only gets longer. But there are so many roads, only so many midweek chances, and motorcycles to renew our acquaintances with. So it is our patriotic duty to take these rides-and to do them often!
Midweek church services are a lot like these rides. A different crowd and a different attitude than Sunday mornings. Those of us who frequent them regularly know that, and know how important they are. They are the rest time with Jesus, while he teaches. They are the fellowship time for us, making the words short and count more because we have to get up early the next day. They are smaller, more worship driven, and fill us spiritually, just like the midweek ride does-only much deeper. They make the ride mean more-if you can do both, you know what I mean. But it is all about Jesus, which is why we meet on any given day. To put Him first, and watch as all the cares that eat us up, are eaten up by Him. It is a time to spend with Him, while with others, who need the same filling. It is one on one with Jesus, a private, intimate time. A time that needs to encouraged more by churches, and led by pastors. Wednesday nights are that special to God. Don't neglect them!
I always at least say hi to a fellow rider when I see them eating lunch alone during the week. We have the road, freedom, and now the food in common. But I have learned that a nod or a wave can be just as important, and not to invade on his time. It is his time, and maybe he is not eating alone, but sharing time with his thoughts and memories. And so I do the same thing on Wednesday nights in church. Some are sitting alone because they wish too, but are very much not alone. Spending time with Jesus, just the two of them, unaware of what is going on around them. Getting refreshed and blessed. So I only wave or nod, and let them make the first move. Out of love, and respect. Not much of that found around anymore.
Take some time to ride on a day this week you usually don't. Even if it is the long way home, take some time with just you and your motorcycle-exercise your throttle and air out both of you. And take some time to spend on Wednesday night in church. Air out, and let the spirit revive and refresh you. And if you can-ride to church! For there is no better way to enjoy freedom than on a motorcycle with Jesus!
Yup, weekday rides help put the whole week in perspective. And just may change your attitude towards weekends. But any day you ride is a good day-and the best days are spent with the Lord! So many roads, so little time. So use the time God gives you wisely. And if you see me at church or eating alone, feel free to nod. For we know what we have is special, and it is always cool to meet a fellow traveler. For whether on the road, or in church, being alone together with Jesus is always special.
love with compassion,
Mike
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