With time, and its passing, we all have formed relationships. Whether it
be at work, at home, on the road, or the coffee shop, we all interact we many
people each day. Some on a regular basis, and some over a period of months and
years. And each relationship has something to offer, something to give, and
something needed from it. They take time, at least the good ones do, and we
never are prepared for when they end, even if we see it coming. And when all is
said and done, it is only the memories we choose to keep that take us back to
that time or place, that person or thing, that ride or trip, that makes it
memorable.
We are told that death is the final separation from life, and although not
afraid to die, Christians know we are going to heaven, and look forward to it,
we aren’t sure about the process. When I almost died, and should have last
summer, I never would have envisioned open heart surgery, but thankfully God
did. And took me and my family through it, and as we look back, now we can see
other’s suffering in a new light. And with optimism, and also with empathy for
those left behind, not sympathy. Empathy being we are with you, we may not get
what you are going through, but we stand by and love you through it. It is
beneficial, Jesus is empathetic. Sympathy is a different attitude, in it says
“poor you,” and doesn’t lift up. I cannot imagine what it would be like with
only sympathy. We never thought poor us, or poor me, we knew God had it under
control. He is there in the bad situations, and the good alike. It is our
choice on how we act, or react, with our reactions telling more about our
relationship with Jesus than our actions do.
Glen and Penny lost another of their family last night. One of their dogs
died, and with no kids, the animals are like their family. With Barney put down
earlier this year, now only one barking voice greets them each night. And it is
tough after 14 years, but they will get by. Another one is just looking for a
home, and although each time we lose a pet, we claim it is the last, our home
remains full with two cats and a dog. Time will heal the wounds, and God will
comfort them in the loss. Only a dog, or a horse, try empathy. No poor Glen
or Penny here, we do hurt with them and for them. But life goes on...
Our friend and Gold Wing rider Stu wrecked his Gold Wing, aka the Buick,
Friday night when a woman pulled out in front of him, and he center punched
her. The bike may be totaled, Stu is cut and bruised, and he will ride again.
But this was a special bike, given to him by Maggie, Dan’s widow when Dan died a
few years ago. And as a gift, it has been reasured, and if to be replaced, will
be fondly remembered. Each ride is pictures of Dan, but also of his three month
ride across America on it. But if it goes, another will replace it, and the new
memories, and new rides will begin. I don’t get it, but the same road on a
different bike is always a new adventure. And I’m glad it is. Bikes and dogs
will come and go in our lives, but we carry on. Clinging to the relationship we
once had, looking ahead to what God has for us.
My good friend Fr. Al was buried last weekend. After beating cancer three
times, miraculously, he finally passed away. When Dave and Linda last visited
him, he told them he was tired, and just wanted to go home. Heaven, his new
home was waiting. And as he went home in his sleep, I miss him. His last
e-mail was to thank me for the encouragement and kind words, as he was no
stranger to death, his brother in law Larry and then his sister Mena passing a
few years ago. At home, with Jesus. And as I marvel at how he was such an
example to me, I recall what he once told me. Fr. Al, now Bishop Al, was asked
to become a bishop. he wrote me, as he always did for prayer, and after praying
offered advice. Which was backed up by his answer, his acceptance. Already a
busy man doing services at the chapel, and being the heart and soul of Flight 93
Memorial Chapel, he was busy-and sick. But his words encouraged me, “I accept
the position, laying it at God’s feet. The same God of grace who offered it to
me, will be the same God of grace who will see me through.” Fr. Al, aka Bishop
Al, Catholic in life, Christian in heart, is now home with Jesus. No mourning.
although I feel tears sometimes, but I came to become friends with someone I
never would have thought of. Thankfully our Lord did, and my story
continues.
Religion won’t save us, although it may comfort us. Only Jesus, and a
relationship with Him will do that. But God reveals His grace to us through
pets, motorcycles, friends, and even Catholic priests, who don’t ride, but love
bikers. He calls it grace, and we are saved by it. Being a Catholic,
Methodist, or attending Calvary Chapel doesn’t assure salvation. Only Jesus
will, but He can use those in religion to minister his word. But without Jesus,
you have no way to God, no relationship. Not how I choose to live, or die. So
as we go through these changes, God is still with us. He rose again, and we
will with Him some day. Sorry, no dogs, cats, horses, or motorcycles. Remember
Jesus said “on earth, as it is in heaven,” not the other way around. He has
something better for us, “that eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor mind
imagined” for us in heaven. But we can start enjoying the benefits here and
now, with Him. So don’t put it off another day. I never expected to be life
flighted, Penny lost her pets unexpectedly, Stu had an accident, and Fr. Al
wanted to go home. God has everything in control. Do you?
Be sure by having a relationship with Jesus, and watch as you get closer to
Him, the blessings unfold, and the things of earth lose importance. Jesus
becomes all important, and provides us with pets, bikes, and friends to bless
us. From coastto coast, barn to house, and all those who love Jesus, no matter
the denomination, keep Him first. And like He promises, “then all these things
shall be added unto you.” His words, His promise, our blessing. Chuck
Diederich of Synanon, once infamously said “today is the first day of the rest
of your life.” Not bad from a cult leader. Let Jesus be your life, and then
rest in Him. Forever. Pets, bikes, cats, dogs, and friends will come and go.
Only Jesus remains. Don’t let Him become a memory. We will continue to travel
the same roads, but somehow they will be new and different on a different bike,
or with new partners. A new bark will replace the old one, and new friends will
come into our lives. Only Jesus assures us of heaven. Keep Him fresh in your
life, love the memories, and cherish the ones yet to come. Let Him be the rest
of your life,, for truly He is the REST in your life.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com