Riding home from church last night was the first time in memory that I had
to wear a jacket. Just the day before I had to wear a sweatshirt, and the
calendar tells me that Saturday is the first day of fall. Which means shorter
daylight, longer nights, although the day still has only 24 hours, and soon I
will be dressing in layers of clothing again. Which many are already doing who
don’t live in So Cal, but our warmest month of the year is coming to an end.
Soon the highs will only be in the 70’s, today it says only 79, where it has
been in the 80’s at least all month. I sweated at 92 just last weekend. But I
am happiest in the 80’s, about 85, low humidity, tail wind, and time to ride.
But today I might need a sweatshirt and I am reminded how I miss the 80’s.
Now not the 1980’s, I was too busy raising kids, a family, and trying to
make ends meet while having a career. I entered the 80’s on my 1975 Z-1, and
left it on my 1985 FJ1100, but with a Honda 650 and Kawi 750 in between. And
not enough time to ride either. Living in New Mexico I was used to seasons and
short rides in my riding suit. So I don’t necessarily miss the 80’s time wise,
but missed the 80’s temperature wise. But when we moved to So Cal, the 80’s
came back, and even though New Mexico summers are hotter, and we felt like we
missed summer that year, I never missed winter again. Still don’t, as I enjoy
riding in just a t-shirt, and now that I have aroused all the newbie riders,
identified by being overdressed, I will always wear an Arai, what is the label
on your helmet say? Cool in summer, warm in winter, and quiet all the time.
But today riding home from San Diego I know it will be cooler, a high of 79, and
my body will translate to my mind that I miss the 80’s.
Now temperature is a relative thing. I have been cold at 85, yet warmed at
55. No accounting for what my body will tell me next. But I recall a trip made
to Albuquerque from Farmington via Gallup with Brett and Julie, Dave, George,
and Theresa and I. They were relatively newer riders, and it was fall, highs in
the 40-50’s, so we all dressed appropriately, or so we thought, until the trip
home up Hiway 550 across the reservation brought wind and temps in the 30’s.
How we wished for anything warmer. Now my warmer consisted of a Wheels of Man
riding suit, which in winter temps kept me toasty, toasty warm is cool in
winter. But it was warm leaving Albuquerque, and we put our pack on George’s
bike, and left early, knowing it is better to be home in daylight than the dark
and cold. I should have known better. George and Dave were well known fun
lovers, they once mooned the entire Durango to Silverton train, and who knows
what they were up to after us old married types left, but when it got cold, I
wished I had my riding suit. Which so did George and Dave as they froze riding
home that afternoon. They stopped more than once, wishing they had my riding
suit and its warmth, not realizing it was tied to George’s seat the whole time.
How many times had he leaned against it wishing, and not knowing. And then
remembering when they stopped by to drop off our luggage, and we all wished we
had the suit...while all the time they had it!
Many times in life we pray for God’s help, only to look back and
see how He answered, only it wasn’t the answer we wanted or were looking for.
Leaning on our own understanding, much as they had leaned on my riding suit, the
answer to the problem was there, just not seeing it. So when asked “why doesn’t
God show me His will for my life?” a big theme when I got saved, I have learned
He does, only you weren’t listening. And if He did, the first thing you would
do would be to change it, or argue with God. Of course, knowing better than
God, never considering if you do, why ask Him anyway? So when God sent His son
Jesus, the Jews weren’t looking for a humble man on a jackass, but a mighty king
to set them free. What they needed, in answer to their prayers. But they were
looking for personal gain, political power, and revenge...not forgiveness, mercy
and grace. God had given them what they asked for, and still does today, in the
form of Jesus. And they missed it. So we argue, whine, disobey, then wonder
why God isn’t talking to us. Could it be we aren’t listening? Could it be that
He likes to hear from us, so His answer isn’t immediate? So we can call Him
again? Is He texting someone else? Don’t ever doubt God’s instant message
service, for if I had been listening, He would have told me to take the riding
suit, and wear it-He knew my need before I asked and froze. Even provided for
it. So it is that God answers, do we listen? Do we obey? Good advice only
works if taken.
So is it any wonder that I miss the 80’s. But not as much as
the 40’s-50’s-60’s, and 70’s. I miss the warm weather. I’m no fool. But I
also have learned to dress in layers, and take off the jacket, then the
sweatshirt, and ride comfortably. Experience has taught me to plan ahead, and
when I ask, to listen. And I have learned that safe and warm can be as far away
as the back pack behind you. Or the God ahead of you. On a day that I asked
God, He had already provided. Ironically I was seeking a Wheels of MAN answer,
instead of listening to God. At least I didn’t go Jonah on Him, and end up on
the beach, all white and sticky. I’m sure it was warm inside the whale, never
heard Jonah complain about the cold. Obedience is better than sacrifice, warm
is better than cold, and a motorcycle ride is always better than a day at the
beach in a whale. Trust God on that one, and trust Him to be there when you
need Him. With the right answer, before, after, and during. The most important
part of prayer is listening for the answer. Are you listening? Now you know
why I miss the 80’s. But I’m ready this time, sweatshirts and leathers. Fool
me once your fault, fool me twice my fault. But you are no fool for trusting
God.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com