As we sat at the intersection, the sound of screeching brakes got our
attention. Off to the left, we saw a Harley in full rear brake lock sliding
sideways, out of control, then backing off as he started to slide, sending him
into a minor tank slapper. Fortunately stopping before entering the busy
intersection. And from our vantage point, it was evident no front brake was
involved, just the simple use of proper braking would have prevented this
potential accident. but sadly die to belief in an urban legend of going over
the bars by using your front brake, once again had created a dangerous
situation. And we missed the opportunity by him not braking correctly of seeing
the first Harley stoppie. But all were safe, and he will ride again to brake
incorrectly. But at least he is still riding.
With the advent of ESP on cars a few years back, and ABS before that, we
now have braking control to prevent skids, and traction control to prevent
skids. Where as before we would power through a skid, staying on the throttle,
now unknown to us, a computer disables the throttle, or applies the brakes in
milliseconds, so we can attend to more important things like texting and using
our cell phones while driving. Smarter cars, sadly we cannot say the say thing
about the nut behind the wheel-or handlebars. And so as we left the
intersection, we commented again on “don’t panic in a panic situation.” Which
here was about to cause more damage than what action was needed-use your brakes
properly-fronts stop about 70% of your vehicle-Harleys, too, and don’t panic. I
have personally seen or attended to too many accidents because of no front
brake, and then skidding, then backing off the brakes when skidding, going into
a tank slapper, and crashing. Not too late for this guy to learn...
Without electronic enhancements such as traction control or ABS, we used to
have power under control. When we would slide, stay on the gas, and power out
of it. When braking, go with the skid, then straighten out. Yet so many panic
in a panic situation, that now we can’t even power slide for fun anymore-or
leave long tire marks on the street from doing burnouts-or from slamming on the
brakes. We have given over control, because we were not able to stay in
control. We are still out of control, just now it won’t show as much. And our
choice is gone-in the name of safety, when all we really needed was to learn to
drive properly.
When I was life flighted last summer, had the sack around my heart drained,
had open heart surgery, and then my aorta replaced, no one asked me-they told
me, this is what we are going to do. And I am glad the surgeons didn’t panic in
a panic situation. The only thing left in my control was my attitude, and I was
thankful and humbled by the situation. Unable to offer any advice, the doctors
and nurses did what was needed without my interference. Sadly the nurses told
us of how some curse them, blaming them for their operation, or situation.
Anyone’s fault but theirs, we need someone to blame-not us. And whereas the
Bible calls it meekness, power under control, God also calls self control a
fruit of the spirit. Your choice, self control, a fruit of the spirit. I
probably surprised more than me by the way I reacted-but God knew, and now you
do too. My choice was to follow Him, instead of my own understanding. Sadly I
know of two men, both pastors, who have been there for many over the years, yet
when faced with decisions of their own, don’t follow the same advice they would
give. The only power they use is to panic, to go into a self pity mode, become
depressed, and cause more damage-not only to themselves, but to their families
also. Panicking in a panic situation causes more harm, when the choice they
should have made was to follow Jesus. “But you don’t understand,” I’m told.
And your right, I don’t. And you obviously don’t either by your actions. So
why not trust someone who does, when Jesus stands there the whole time offering
to take your burden, because He loves you. Leaving the choice up to
you-stopping in time or skidding to a stop out of control!
In addition to my advice of not to panic in a panic situation, is do not
make any decisions during a high or low emotional time. Why add stupid to any
situation by your emotions. Again, I may not understand, but prefer to use my
freedom of choice in the spirit to choose God, and follow Him. Your feelings
will let you down, He never will. So next time you are in a situation where you
can panic, look to God. In that instant where you lose control, He already has
things under control, just waiting for you to let Him. Use all the resources He
makes available to you, including your front brake. And if you already do, you
know the impact it makes on stopping, just like twisting the throttle increases
power.
Today you will enter an intersection where your own understanding will not
be enough, feel free to call out to God. Better yet before you leave the house,
ask for His guidance. No need to skid through life when you don’t have too.
Unless you want to, which is your choice. Just not when you don’t need it or
expect it. Meekness-power under control, not a new idea, but God’s plan for
you. Get your motor running, set out on the highway, looking for adventure, and
whatever comes our way. Make sure to take Jesus with you. The impact He can
make on your life is better than any accidental impact you wish you could have
avoided. Leave crossing it up for those who flat track. Life should be fun, so
enjoy it. And I am still looking for the first Harley stoppie!
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com