Over the years I have been impressed by women who ride with their
husbands. And even more impressed by those who enjoy all aspects of
motorcycling with him. When Theresa needed a clutch cable for her Bonneville on
Saturday, off to NCY I went. Two women were ahead of me, usually not a good
sign, having worked parts when asked year and model and told blue, you know you
are in trouble. But the couple, when she saw that the car was too small for the
big order, told her husband, “I’ll go get the truck.” I like that-teamwork.
She rides, maybe her own, and I was impressed. The other young girl was riding
solo, and after placing many items on the counter, gave Grinny a list, and when
he filled it, called her husband and asked if he needed anything else. She
rides, and I again was impressed. At the LA Hot Rod Show on Sunday, I again
watched as couples were buying parts, asking questions, and enjoying the day
together. Some yuppie wife would think how weird, but she would be missing out
on time well spent with her husband. And maybe that was why so many men were
alone-a break from wives who place the mall and themselves above their
marriage. When asked they would deny it, but we know the signs, and the
symptoms. Those who ride together stay together, and share time and stories
together. The rest.....
Years ago when Theresa started watching antique shows, and wanting to visit
antique stores, I decided to go with her. To support her, and found it
interesting. And I am often the only man in the store among women traveling
alone, the husband either at home, or waiting impatiently on a bench out front.
I have more respect for the women who go along, and also the men, we are
enjoying the time spent with our wives, and it shows in other things in our
marriage. And it can be fun too, as one yuppie woman was eyeing me in my
leather one day in this upscale store, and when she was looking at a rooster
lamp up high, I asked her if she needed help. She said yes, and so I put my
hands together, and offered her a boost up. I thought it was funny, so did the
other women who got it, she just stormed away. I was only trying to
help....
And so it is a good thing for men and women to do things together. To
ride, shop, travel, and even go to church together. It brings them closer
together, builds strength in a marriage, and they can even have fun. We do.
Now I am not in any way belittling a Proverbs 31 wife, they truly are a prize.
I know many, sadly I know few whose husband is on the same wavelength. They
suffer never meeting their potential because the husband is not the head of the
family spiritually. And when she tries, she does well, but never sees the
fullness of a husband leading her, and encouraging her. I have come to meet
many lately, and it saddens me, because if not spiritually connected, all the
other things fail too. And as I read the list of the Proverbs 31 wife, I am
impressed, and also blessed that I married one. And I am glad to say that I
always encourage her in the Lord. When there are times she needs a Bible study,
I insist upon it. Go on the retreat, spend time with God. Sometimes selfishly,
for when she is walking close to the Lord, our marriage is better, and I am
blessed. Husbands are you listening? Wives, are these times with your husband
a pleasure or a pain? Is a Bible study just a night out with the girls, or are
you serious about your relationship with God? And your marriage? We know the
symptoms even before the excuses come from either mouth.
Now while you may have a Proverbs 31 wife, how many have a Matthew 25
wife? A what, I never heard that. Now you have. While Proverbs spells things
out individually, Matthew shows us how ministering can be done together. How
when it takes two, none better than husband and wife working together as a
team. When Jesus tells the church gathered to “be gone, I never knew you,” how
many think they know Jesus, but don’t. When you are late from helping a
homeless man, did she keep supper warm, or throw it at you when you arrived?
When you bring home someone for the night who needs a bath and a bed, does she
feed him first? Does your wife welcome strangers, both at home and when out?
Does she give up her free time to visit those in prison and in the hospital?
Does she pass out water, bake cookies, and do it with a smile to those she
doesn’t know? And maybe even be afraid of? And does she do it in love? If she
does, you have a Matthew 25 wife, all the qualities of Proverbs 31, but with
heavy on the Jesus. She is more than a list of who you want to marry, she is
the perfect partner for you in all things. She rides, she takes pictures, and
she tells others about her trips with her husband. She bakes, stays up late,
and is patient when church is over, there are those who want to talk to her, who
need advice. She is up early, up late, and has a special pile of towels just
for the garage. She serves others with a smile, and does it all for Jesus, not
wanting recognition. And shows pity for those who do, how sad to be
congratulated for doing the right thing. She does it without reservation. Men
if you have wife like this, guard her and honor her. For I don’t see any
Proverbs 31 husbands, but do see Matthew 25 husbands and wives. I see them not
only in church, but at car shows, Walmart, antique stores, and out riding
together. They enjoy each others company, and stay strong in the Lord, for they
know where their strength lays.
God has blessed me with Theresa. Everything I ever need or asked for in a
wife and more. Men, don’t limit God or your wives. Encourage them in the Lord,
and enjoy time spent with them. When you treat her like the lady you want, she
will become the woman you need. Now I am not sure about the two women buying
parts, but they were shown respect because they were respectable. Not
complaining about having to buy parts, but both having husbands to ride with.
What do you and your wife have in common? If Jesus, you have a great start, but
learn her likes, and participate. Invite her along for a ride, and show some
courtesy. A scared riding partner is never fun. Have a bike that is
comfortable for her, would you put your fat but on a skinny seat of metal with a
vinyl cover? Yet many do without complaining. Show her some respect, and you
might find the perfect riding partner was across from you at the table the whole
time. And if it works with motorcycles, imagine what else it can happen with.
Be the Matthew 25 man, and soon she will become the Matthew 25 woman. And for
those who keep score, at our house it is Proverbs 31-Matthew 25. A win-win
situation every time. Remember that next time you need parts...or show up late
with friends. Or need cookies, or just a hug. Ministry begins at home, your
wife and family your first concern. If you can’t do it there, why would you
think you can do it anywhere else? And if she thinks helmet hair is a badge of
honor, and she has a ride her own, marry her. Man up...a desirable wife may be
only one trip to the antique store away. Or at the parts counter. And trust
me, Matthew 25 wins out every time. In love, as in horseshoes, close just ain’t
good enough. Men love your wives...now about the seat on your cruiser....
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com