We just got back from celebrating our 35th wedding anniversary, by taking a
trip in the truck. No not senile, or fading, but with a purpose behind it all.
We were going to Exeter, and visiting the foothills around Sequoia National
Park. For all you trendy types who go where your friends go, we chose the
Central Valley, and are the better for it. With Exeter, our destination, for a
reason. Years ago, on an earlier anniversary trip, again in a car, we
discovered Exeter when following a road when the road we were on ended. And
again God blessed us, as we fell in love with Exeter. Picture Mayberry 40 years
after it went off the air, and welcome to Exeter. Where the mercantile is also
home to the International dealer, selling and repairing farm implements since
1916. Where we were greeted by a farmer in overalls, “welcome to Mayberry.”
And after browsing the mercantile, went antique shopping, the reason we went by
pick-up. And filled it, with the arrangement we would stop by on the way out of
town to get the items. Which we did on Monday morning, even after the owner
gave us her home phone on the back of her card in case we needed to leave early
to get on the road. And with prices half of what they are here, we filled the
truck. And were on our way. And we will be back...
But Sunday was the day to retrace our original ride, and we did it
backwards, arriving in Springville some 48 miles later. On roads some would
call paths, passing ranches, cattle, farms, but no people, except for the
occasional bicyclist, or hiker. My kind of road, I will return on the Tiger!
Then off across the valley to Hanford, to show Theresa where they have the
annual vintage bike meet each May-a must see. But really we wanted to go to the
Superior Dairy Products Company malt shop. Where we were in for a real treat.
Where large is the new small, and the new large is shared by a table of six. I
thought the prices were high, until we saw the servings from our place at the
counter-always the best place to sit anyway. One scoop of ice cream-all made on
the premises in the factory in back, was almost a quart of ice cream. See the
pictures of the sundaes, @$6.05 each a deal! Our milkshake was a quart of
strawberry ice cream, turned into soft serve that no straw had a chance with.
And with grins as wide as our faces, it was easy to shovel it in, which makes
you wonder, why have a meal when the desert will fill you up just fine? Bring a
friend! A great destination for any club ride, skip lunch-we’re having ice
cream!
But how do we just stumble upon places like this? Why Exeter, even with
its beautiful morals depicting valley history, why go there? The picture is the
one on the side of the Police Station depicting life in the 40’s, a motor cop
and a farmer. Just visiting, neighbors, no tickets involved. Remember when we
all waved to each other? Maybe we all just wish to get back to the Garden, to
where it all began. To seek a simpler time, where handshakes sealed deals,
strangers were greeted as friends, prices were fair, and no one left the counter
hungry. And wanting to do it all over again. When God says He knows the plans
for us, we so often wish to know ahead of time, missing out on the suspense and
pleasant surprises He has for us. Yet He knows, and so many chance meetings
aren’t to Him. Taking a new road, wondering where it goes? He knows, and may
be guiding you, for your benefit. Hungry, ask Him. The little kid in Him might
just guide you past the meal to the desert. Or take you to a low rider show,
and eat some local hand made adobada tacos. Or take you to a farm stand filling
up on goodies, leaving room for the ice cream, of course. It may take you to
places with your best friend, in my case my wife, to spend them with. But God
has so many places to take us, that we would never go to unless He took us. But
why do we resist Him?
A key component of grace is obedience. Yes, grace is all about Jesus, but
how long did it take for you to accept Him and His grace? See, it takes
obedience, so follow where He leads. Go boldly where you have never been
before, and let God bless you. Sunday morning church services are not the only
place God blesses, so take Him along with you. See the beauty of your
surroundings through His eyes, and watch as the blessings unfold. Trust Him, as
a so-called chance meeting for us turned into 35 years of marriage, how a closed
road took us to Exeter, and a bike meet took us to to Superior Dairy Products.
We aren’t always sure of what lies on the road ahead, but with God leading I can
assure you it will be exciting and fun. And you may even get to bless
others.
Our four day/three night trip seemed to last for weeks. Fun will do that.
We ate good, albeit too much, spent too much, what vacation don’t you, and spent
time with God making new memories. So, what are your weekend plans? Do they
include God? Or are you just following the trendy, and not knowing why. Trendy
will never be cool, it comes from the heart. And Jesus is cool-the coolest.
Better than a huge sundae at Superior, and able to make a trip in the truck
worthwhile. Imagine what He can do on a motorcycle? So ask Him to help you
plan your next trip, don’t wait for any special event, today is special enough.
And then let Him guide you-forego the calories for the blessing, the ride for
the truck, and get back to where He wants you. It all started in the Garden,
with two people who wanted to go their own way, and disobeyed God. Despite
that, look at all the blessing you have. Now imagine how incredible it will be
when obeying, the Garden awaits. And you don’t have to finish your meal to have
it. For God’s blessings like a great ice cream begin with Him-and a friend to
share it with. Happy Anniversary to my wonderful wife-many more milkshakes, and
chocolate rides lie ahead. You never know where the road to Exeter may lead
you...and it is always better to have someone to share that sundae with. God’s
grace like the best ice cream is always Superior!
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com