When younger we all looked forward to certain first events in our lives.
First new bike, first car, first motorcycle, first date, first house, and first
job. And we remember these first quite vividly, but how many remember their
second bike? Their second car? Some never got to that elusive second date?
What was your second motorcycle? What was your second address? And who was
your second boss? Who’s on second? No-he’s on first. If you are honest in
your assessments, you will have to stop and think, while the firsts come
easier. And whether you know it or knew it, all others would be compared to
your firsts. My new bike is bigger, 20” vs. 24” wheels, my first date was so
immature, not me. My first boss was so smart, or so tough, but my next one
won’t dominate me as much. My next house will be bigger, and not need as much
work-until we move in. And my next motorcycle will have more cc’s, more power
and I will go more places. So we always go back our first love, never stopping
to think that as we get older many new firsts still await us. We live in a
relative society-bigger, richer, fatter, skinnier, faster, and happier. Or
sadder. But without something to base our future or current events on, somehow
we don’t enjoy them as much. We need something to compare them to, to show we
are making the right decisions, that we are making progress. Moving on. And
although many times we will relive fun times, it is that first time we remember
the most. Your first loves, and what made them so special.
This past year has been a year new firsts for us. My first and hopefully
only life flight and open heart surgery. And a different outlook at daily
things due to them. This week will be my one year anniversary, and some firsts
I have been enjoying-again. Once again for the very first time, if you will.
Using my surgery date, June, 25, 2012 as my starting date. I took my first walk
with nurse Jackie, 25 of the longest feet I ever walked. My first walk out of
rehab with another nurse, Jessie. My first Thanksgiving, and being truly
thankful for all I have, big accent on the little things. My first Christmas,
and truly celebrating a new life in Christ, for He has given me a new life, and
really touched my heart like no one else. My first rides after surgery, my
first anniversary in February, my first Easter, having a whole new outlook on
resurrection. My first birthday-I made it to 59, almost didn’t, and my first
Father’s Day. I usually am not big on such days, and for the past 8-10 years
have been on cross country trips for them. But this year was special, as I was
here for my sons, a special gift of being a father, and they were alive to see
me alive. Andrew in church with us, and Christopher on tour in Barcelona,
Spain, but both out enjoying life this year, as they should. But a special
first was last Friday having an ultra sound done on my heart. My last one was
the night I left rehab, which happened to be done by the same girl who greeted
me when the helicopter landed. Who not only couldn’t believe I was alive, I was
described as the sickest patient they had seen who wasn’t dead, but told me my
heart was perfect-no reason I should be in the hospital, and no further tests
needed! You have no idea how those words sounded! And on Friday, I was shown
during the test my new aorta, and the nurse was amazed. “It is seamless, and if
I hadn’t read your chart, and seen your scar I never would have believed it!”
Compare that one to my first one that night after landing-a miracle! A first
night I would rather forget, but a first night to base all others on,
unforgettable.
We are warned in Revelation about the church that lost its first love. We
do the same thing with things, but also with Christ. Some days we reach for the
vitamins, and get the stupid pills instead. Some days we get an extra swat with
the stupid stick. And some days we wake up just like we fell asleep-stupid.
And stupid hurts, but it doesn’t have to kill. It can be a warning we are off
track, or on track for more stupid firsts. It can mean we seem like we are in a
hopeless situation, but don’t need to despair as God is still there. We wonder
sometimes why when we try to live correct, and seem to suffer, while others who
live life loosely prosper. What’s going on here God? But He knows, and
sometimes we lose patience, thankfully He never does. Up until the day we die,
His holy spirit is still calling to us, wanting to save us. What will it take
for you to heed His call? To return to your first love? Why not give up trying
to fill the void with other things, and get back with Jesus? What does a
spiritual ultrasound of your heart tell others? Is your relationship seamless
with Jesus, or can people see the difference? Are the scars hidden rom view,
where everyone can still see them, except you? So Jesus offers you this offer,
to the saved. STOP! Get back to where your first love is, and keep on. Not
stop or you’ll die, He has already rescued you from death. Stop and enjoy the
richer life He promises, and be around to enjoy the new firsts He has planned
for you.
Once again for the very first time, come to Christ. Be assured that He
will guide you, but not force you. He will encourage and not discourage. And
you will look back at what used to be trials, and find He has turned them into
testimonies. The last sense to leave you before you die is your hearing. Why
wait until it may be too late? Answer His call today. And enjoy the new firsts
He has for you. Looking back, looking ahead never looked so good.
love with compassion,
Mikematthew25biker.blogspot.com