I have been riding motorcycles on the street legally now for over 42 years,
no need interrupting my reputation by discussion of pre-license escapades. And
being a first generation rider in my family, my parents hated them, they drove
Ramblers, I have passed this love for riding onto both my sons and my wife,
along with countless others who today enjoy the freedom of the wind in their
face because they took a chance and now ride. But not everyone should ride, an
opinion I didn’t share until yesterday. I still think in a perfect world we all
should ride, but have come to realize some shouldn’t. Not because they aren’t
cool, which they are not, but because just their appearance on a motorcycle can
be a threat to the freedom we enjoy. One guy still only drives 55 on the
freeways, thinking he is sending out a positive message about God, while another
strictly sees it as cheap transportation. Both making a statement about riding
without even having ridden. And it seems I follow after these types, who after
their wives say “NO” to their wanting to ride, become hen pecked about all
things in regards to personal decisions. Now I consider my wife in most
decisions, she tends to be smarter than me, but I have freedom in her, and with
her, something these other men don’t. Let’s hear a condescending “Yes, dear,”
from those of you who know the type, or are the type. One look in your garage
will tell us what type of man you are.
Today I see many types associated with riding motorcycles. The first got a
taste early, and quit after trying it, bowing to social or family pressures,
like above. Another rides for a while despite the negative press from the same,
but caves in to it when they have a family, “you shouldn’t ride when you are
raising children,” taking them away from a #1 family activity and leaving them
open to the temptation of drugs. No better high than riding. Finding that
riding was less dangerous, and cheaper than the costs involved with letting them
hang out after school or weekends and not riding. If you don’t let your kids
try riding, someone else will offer them something more dangerous. Also today
many who have left riding are coming back to it, and enjoying it more, “why did
I ever leave it?” being heard. Yet some of us heard the call, and gave into
it. Despite the warnings, we ride, and enjoy life. We travel, meet friends,
and even evangelize others to join in, and we do it within and without our
families. I am blessed to do it with both. So be careful ladies, next time you
condemn riding, especially women who do, my wife and her friends may be the ones
in the leather jacket next to you. We apologize now for the chance to let you
express your freedom of driving an SUV, cell phone in hands, with your kids
glued to the DVD screens. And you’re telling us motorcycles are
dangerous?
In the parable of the seed, Jesus tells of seed scattered, and the ground
it fell on. The seed being the gospel, some hit hard ground, and was rejected,
sometimes without even considering Him. “Him, Joe’s kid, a savior?” And they
not only miss life on earth, but life after also. Some seed fell on good
ground, and grew for a while, then the weeds grew and overtook it. Jesus was
Lord for a season, then the pressures of the world won out. Too many succumb to
this, and only a few return. But some take the seed, and water it, nourish it,
and watch it grow. It becomes the central part of life, and their life, and
enjoy a full life. Not perfect, but headed towards perfection. They have the
same problems as the first two, but handle them different. They have a full
life, and pass it on to others. They ride the ride of their life in Jesus, and
never look back when doubters or the trendy advise them to quit. They realize
they are living in freedom, a freedom to make their own decisions, to raise
their kids the same way, and live life to its fullest. We call them Christians,
because they have the life of Christ inside them, a choice they made
themselves. Their choice to live in freedom, sometimes reflected in their
choice to ride. And passing it on to their kids and grandkids...
Today I turned 59, and I see too many my age who are looking forward to
retirement with no dreams of what to do. They once dreamt when younger, but
gave in to all the warnings. The never went swimming right after eating. They
never tried riding, and sadly never tired Jesus. To them, I would like to offer
the following advice. Think about it and pray about. What are you waiting
for? After you’re dead is no time to take action. Something to consider today,
whether from your dangerous perch on the sofa, or from behind the safety of your
handlebars. Freedom is available today, NOW! It has a name, Jesus, and this
somebody is the something you are looking for. Although it is true, not all
should ride, we all need Jesus. Many are called, few are chosen.
And for you political types, there are no recorded instances of terrorist
activity among motorcyclists. Join in the battle against terror
today-RIDE!
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com