As kids we used no measurements for distance. It was five blocks by
Schwinn to Dutch Treat, aka the Sweet Shoppe, where we went to buy our daily
rations of candy, at 5 cents each. Comics were 12 cents, MAD was a quarter,
cheap, and Fudgicles and Creamsicles were 7 cents. We knew John the owner, and
he knew us, even knowing some of our dads. We were real impressed one time when
Scottie Aldinger came up a nickel short, and John said he would get it from his
dad. We didn't understand credit, we did understand a free candy bar. And most
change was given without the cash register being opened, it sat on a edge and
change was given freely without benefit of cash register in these pre-sales tax
days. We knew never to lean you bike against the window, they could break
although no one I knew ever knew anyone who knew anyone whose bike had
penetrated the glass, but we just laid them down, in the dirt, knowing they
would be there when we came out.
The shorter trip, by a block, but which included a steep viaduct was up to
Crestwood Cupboard, or the Cubbard as we called it. Art owned it, an old house
turned into a store, and we remember him mostly as passed out drunk, and not
waiting for our change, pocketing the extra candy, he would never know. He
drove a 1950 Buick station wagon, we called the Art Car, and also had a Coke
machine with 10 oz. bottles, and a Pepsi machine that sold cans-big time in our
world. The Cubbard was strictly a man's world, as no mom would go there, it was
a pretty rough place. And with limited places to lean your bike, the gas pumps
would have to do. Very few ever got gas there, Art was gassed most of the time
himself. But there were times you went to the Cubbard, as the Sweet Shoppe was
so far away, and the extra few minutes riding time cut into play, very important
as a kid. And we figures all this out without statistics, mileages, or cash
registers. Time had no measurement, unless you were in school, and then it took
forever for the bell to ring. Somehow that rule never applied to recess, that
went too fast.
A generation later the Cubbard is gone, a Russian gas station is there.
The Sweet Shoppe is gone too, empty on my last trip to the Fatherland. Even a
7-11 has been built where the Amoco station used to be, with mom's sitting in
their cars waiting for their kids to come out. No more nickel candy, even penny
gum costs a quarter there, and no one rides their bikes. The guy behind the
counter wears a name tag with a name you cannot pronounce, and no credit
extension for those who forget to bring enough money. Many other things have
also changed in the old neighborhood, the Esso is now Exxon, where we used to
fill up our bike tires. Meekers the garden shop is now a strip mall, and even
Friendly's closed. DelNero's Gulf is gone, where 25 cents bought a gallon of
gas for the lawn mower, and Towne Car Wash remains, which used to have a Judo
School in front of it. So much for culture, it's all gone, or different. And
the kids today don't know what they are missing. Just a bike ride away from
home, within 5 blocks was life, roads to explore, candy to buy, and comics to
read. and I feel a certain sadness for them...
Today kids don't leave their bikes laying out in front of the stores, if
they ride at all. Dollars are what used to be cents, which makes no sense. We
don't know each other, just passing and nodding, and the car wash costs $10.
And now martial arts has replace Judo, how trendy. No wonder kids grow up so
fast, they miss childhood, and that great opportunity to grow up at a pace
commensurate with their age. Looking forward to leaving elementary school,
going to Jr. High, then onto High School, each stage a new door of experience
opening up, while another closes behind them. We had no big goals, how to spend
15 cents for three candy bars was enough. We learned math by fives, and then by
twelve's when comics entered our lives. And learned sex from Betty and
Veronica, war from Sgt. Rock, finance from Richie Rich, and life from MAD.
Where are today's kids getting their education?
One thing sorely missing from today is forgiveness. I can remember friends
being taken to see Art or John when they screwed up, or got caught with two
candies stuck in a pocket, oops. And apologizing, and banned, maybe a few weeks
passing before they were let in again. We would fight among each other, and
then minutes later be friends again.
We were kids, and we trusted our parents to be adults. To do the right thing, just not too hard when it came to spanking. I listened last week as a friend told us of her kindergarten daughter and her best friend fighting. And how the parents got involved, and they are strained when seeing each other, but the kids are back to being friends again. They forgive and forget, and then go on. Without special lessons, or DVD's telling of who or how to forgive. It seems it is built into them, until a parent comes along. The Bible calls it pride, and Jesus tells us how it hinders us, and causes other problems. We hold grudges, "do you know what he did?" often the crowning blow calling for execution. And you wonder why your kids are angry? Or why society is so mad with each other? Even the pathetic plea of Rodney King went scoffed at, no wonder so many repeat their crimes. I even know a ministry that claims to "let God sort them out," rather than showing true compassion. And we wonder why things are like they are?
We were kids, and we trusted our parents to be adults. To do the right thing, just not too hard when it came to spanking. I listened last week as a friend told us of her kindergarten daughter and her best friend fighting. And how the parents got involved, and they are strained when seeing each other, but the kids are back to being friends again. They forgive and forget, and then go on. Without special lessons, or DVD's telling of who or how to forgive. It seems it is built into them, until a parent comes along. The Bible calls it pride, and Jesus tells us how it hinders us, and causes other problems. We hold grudges, "do you know what he did?" often the crowning blow calling for execution. And you wonder why your kids are angry? Or why society is so mad with each other? Even the pathetic plea of Rodney King went scoffed at, no wonder so many repeat their crimes. I even know a ministry that claims to "let God sort them out," rather than showing true compassion. And we wonder why things are like they are?
Does the scriptural advice of holding no grudge against any man when
praying mean anything to you? It does to God, and to Jesus whom He sent to
forgive you. I have advised married couples for years that the five words to a
better marriage are "I'm sorry," and "I love you." Simple, and to the point, no
hindrance to forgiveness there, for we have all sinned and fall short of the
glory of God. And when you ask forgiveness, the burden is lifted, and on the
other person. And then you can both ride to the Sweet Shoppe together, just not
leaning your bikes against the window.
The gospel is simple so that even I can get it. Jesus once told a woman "
your sins are forgiven, go and sin no more." Much more loving than hearing all
your indiscretions read before a judge in court. So next time you encounter
anyone who has cheesed you off, offer them a handshake of love, and
forgiveness. Eliminate pride and watch the blessings flow. Even off them a
candy bar, show them you care. What you sew is what you will reap. Just don't
lean your bike against the window. The shortest distance between joy and anger
can be two little words away.
Where sin abounds, let grace abound even more. Which leave time to decide
where to ride to today. Art's or John's, may all your choices be as simple, and
rewarding. Now, is it Betty or Veronica?
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com