Over the years I have written lists of things I need to do. Learned
probably from our mothers, who before they went grocery shopping made lists so
they wouldn’t forget anything, we still do today. Forget things that is, as
many times we forget to take the list with us, guessing as we go down every
aisle, and then return home with a cart full of things we didn’t need, but
without the one thing we did. I am sure pyschologists have a term for it, I
just feel stupid. A term we all can associate with. But for years I made
preride lists when setting off on long rides. Not wanting to miss anything, but
over the years the list has changed, and soon became a mental note. Repetition
will do that, as you cannot teach experience. We learned what to take, what not
to take, what could be thrown away aw we go, and what could be bought at Walmart
as we travelled. Also where to pack things is important, things less used on
the bottom, the most used things on top. Which things can be worn for days,
which things can’t, and which things we will never need. All lists of their
own, think of them as children of the main list, and they often times grew lists
of their own.
I have a quick checklist when I ride press bikes. Adjust the mirrors,
many don’t and never use them. Triumphs don’t vibrate and the mirrors produce
images you can see. If it has a clock, or other settings, I set them. One ride
on a new Speed Triple R was harsh, until 2 clicks to the front forks smoothed it
all out. Now I check before riding off. Does it have fuel? Learned the hard
way new bikes take a few miles before the miles to empty resets. Makes me miss
the old petcock. But then ready to ride, I can go assured that the bike is
ready, I am ready, look out road, here I come. And I have preride checks for
each day, for each bike, and for every couple weeks. When I was a Service
Advisor I used to tell my customers maintainance is expensive, but repairs
always cost more, and not just in dollars. Setting off with just enough tire,
then riding more than I planned has put me at more than one dealer’s mercy. So
it is checklists are part of our lives, from riding to some and their TV
schedules, from playlists on i-tunes, to grocery shopping. But the one thing
missing from all lists, that should be included, but is glossed over, is one
that we neglect, either through pride or lack of patience. Simple put, it is
“None of the above.”
And I find that many times when planning trips, I forget to include that
one as a route. Construction, weather, curves, or time constraints make me
alter my course, and take roads not found on any map. To places to ride, places
to eat, people to meet, many of the best rides fall into the “none of the above”
listing. Life is like that also. Prayer life in particular. We go to God, who
we claim knows everything, but limit him in our prayer. “Please Lord give me
this or that,” and then get upset when he doesn’t. We don’t like the word no,
two letters that can change any attitude instantly, alter any ride, and change
our course. But many times, we get “none of the above” from God as our answer,
and we get upset. Cheesed off. And only in his grace and mercy do we later see
why. He had something better for us. Something we couldn’t see, and many times
so much better than we expected. I am reminded many times of a trip back from
Canada, and stopping in Reno. Circus, Circus had huge signs, $19 rooms, that
sounded like me. Underground parking for the bike, cheap buffets, and low on
funds, we took it. Only to be greeted by a crowd lined up out the door. Seems
$19 rooms were on many other’s list that day. We were about 400 in line from
what I cold count, and spending the night in line became a potential reality.
The room was buzzing with impatient cheap travellers, when a woman stood up on
the counter, “we are out of $19 rooms!” And the mad stampede for the door
almost crushed us. And after a few minutes, when it cleared, she announced,
“but we do have suites for $29.” And being second in line, we got a great
suite, with hot tube, corner room with windows and a great view. And not being
a gambler, put a quarter in a slot while waiting for the tram, and won $35!
Room and buffet paid for. None of the above was not on my list that day, yet
God had his own checklist prepared for us. Lesson learned, now if only I can
remember it.
Try asking Jesus what he wants to do with your day. Then obey. He takes
things up a notch for us, sometimes dragging us kicking and screaming through
the day. His first miracle was turning water into wine, which happens naturally
with grapes. But he used his own process, and the party was saved, the
bridegroom never saying a word, and getting credit for saving the best for
last. But walking with Jesus we don’t need to wait for last, it starts when we
accept him. When we fall asleep in prayer each night, when we wake up
continuing, and then “good morning Lord,” instead of “good lord, it’s morning.”
Love him in the morning, let him carry you through the day, and into the night.
Rest in his arms while asleep, and ask him into your plans everyday. Maybe even
be bold and ask him what they are. Make prayer your preride checklist daily,
and don’t be surprised if “none of the above” is the theme of the day. For he
loves us, and has better things for us than we can imagine. The Kingdom is
described as “eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor mind imagined...” and Jesus
told his disciples to pray “thy kingdom come, thy will be done.” Are we bold
enough to trust him? And we don’t have to wait for heaven, for he assurers us
“on earth as it is heaven.” Heavenly rides, days, trips to the store await us
when we trust the Lord. On our ride, it was the $19 room that got us in, but
God had a $29 suite in mind. don’t settle for less, make “none of the above”
part of your prayer life today, and watch as the blessings flow from heaven.
Jesus loves me this I know....in many “none of the above ways.” So he has a
special term for it, agape, only love that God can give, with no conditions.
I’ve tried life my way, now “none of the above” is on my list, near the top.
Don’t limit a limitless God, he even had the way for the Tiger to get back from
Colorado when I had open heart surgery. He knows what lies ahead...and is
ready. Are you? Start your day with Jesus, and enjoy the ride. Suddenly “none
of the above” never looked so good. The right box to check off for a loving
God.
love with compassion,
Mike
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