Someone once observed that life is a journey. If that is true, than mine
is a ride, a long two wheeled ride, down many roads. Along the way many of
these roads were taken knowing where I wanted to go, which is the purpose of
roads, to take us somewhere. Some ended up dead ends after many miles with no
warning signs. On one road going over the Mogollon Rim in Arizona I came around
a corner at high speed, and found a landslide, the road gone. I was able to
stop, or at least slow down before I fell over, no warning was given.
Ironically the first vehicle that came was the Highway Department putting up
signs to warn of the landslide. You will not always know what lies ahead, but
also what is coming from behind. In Tennessee it is possible to be going both
east and west on US 70 at the same time. Still can’t explain that one. But you
can be assured that today if you go anywhere it will be a road taking you
there. But not knowing what lies ahead. How many after having an accident wish
they had taken a different route, “if only I had known...”
But some roads call, while others tell us to avoid. Each year a list of 10
Best Roads is published somewhere, and I have ridden on most of them. From the
Pacific Coast Highway, to Route 2 across the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, to
Highway 1 to the Florida Keys, to almost all of Route 66, I have ridden them.
Some have names, most have numbers, Route 66 is referred to as The Mother Road,
designated in 1926, the major artery between Chicago and Los Angeles. Many a
story has been written or told about it, from song to books to movies, how many
have gotten their kicks on Route 66? But another famous road, designated the
same year, runs north and south, paralleling the Mississippi River. Its
official name is Highway 61, or as the locals or travelers call it, The Great
River Road. Over 1600 miles following the ups and downs of the Mississippi
Valleys, starting in Wyoming, Minnesota, and ending in New Orleans. Highway 61
has as much, but different history as Route 66, and has been immortalized in
song by Bob Dylan, his album “Highway 61 Revisited” showing him in his Triumph
T-shirt on the cover. Cool. And after some research, we decided to ride
Highway 61, and see America form north to south. To follow the river, and see
where the road takes us. And over a period of days it took us through the heart
of America. One day we crossed it 7 times, not all by design, we rode it on 4
laners, and winding roads. Eating at old BBQ shacks, fueling at stations at
general stores. Trying to avoid franchised America as much as possible. It can
be done, but it takes time, and the road took us places we didn’t expect, and
when it was expected never disappointed.
Today I turn 61, and look back at my Highway 61 Revisited. Where I have
been, the roads and people I met, the meals eaten or missed, and places I want
to go back to. I have been to the Crossroads of the Blues, the crossroads
Clapton sang about, and also at the crossroads with God, wondering which road to
take in situations. 40 years ago I came to the crossroads, and was faced with
the cross. I had to make a choice of which way to go, continue on my own,
stumbling with no destination, no road map and not knowing where I might end up,
or choose Jesus, and have life assured after death. I chose to buy the
insurance Jesus offered at an early age, and have never regretted it. Instead of
taking the fork in the road when I came to it, I chose Jesus. I didn’t know
what lied ahead, we aren’t told or we would argue or change the plans, but I can
tell you being on the road with Jesus is the only way to go. Riding in the
curves in the mountains, we don’t know what lies ahead, but God does, he sees
from above. He warns us, often his spirit warning of trouble, and not
abandoning us when we take the wrong road anyway. My revisited 61 years of
highways have taken me to 48 states, Canada, and Mexico on two wheels. Almost 1
million miles on two wheels over 43 years of riding, yet I look forward to
today’s ride with the same excitement. Short or long, God rides with me, and no
matter the road conditions, weather, or SUV’s out to get me, God is always with
me. And he allows me to see life through his eyes, to see things I missed
before, and to never travel alone. He takes me down roads others may pass by,
and to places not on any 10 Best list. Whether wide open across the prairies,
or in LA lane splitting, he never leaves me, never forsakes me, never cancels
because he gets a better offer. I wish I could say the same....but he always
welcomes me back when I stray. In Jesus he has provided the road back to him,
the only way. A simple way so I can get it, a free way so I can afford
it.
But yet many bumps and bad roads lay ahead. He has provided me a
suspension on my bikes to absorb the bumps, in life he gives the spirit to
comfort. If all roads were smooth, I would need no suspension, if life were
smooth I wouldn’t need Jesus. Both aren’t, I need shocks and the spirit to
guide and comfort. I can truly say that if the road you are on is rough, you
are probably on the right road, and Jesus is with you. Your choice to ride with
him, or not.
I have a relationship with the road, and it calls me daily. But it is the
fellowship, the time spent on it and riding it that make it special. With no
relationship, no fellowship. Just another road to get where I am going. But
like life is a journey, the relationship, the road is the fellowship, and why it
is important to know the road you are on. If you are lost and seeking today,
Jesus is right there with you. He desires that relationship, so you can
fellowship with the creator of the universe. His directions are easy, just look
to the cross. Today you may be at the crossroads of life, wondering which way
to go. All roads lead somewhere, not all roads lead to God. Not all highways
can go both ways at the same time. Some are under construction, some rough,
some smooth and fast. It takes Jesus to show the right road, and you to follow
it. My Highway 61 hasn’t ended yet, but when it does I know where it will end
up. Can you say the same? Are you sure where the road you are on is taking
you? The highway department has provided rest stops to stop and rest, to get
your bearings, to refresh. Jesus offers you rest today, to be refreshed, to see
where you are going, and to get your bearings. If you don’t know where you are,
you don’t know which way to go. You need direction. Being lost is the first
confession of sin, we all have that in common. How we respond is up to us.
Some wander, some wonder, I know in whom I believe. And so I can travel farther
on Highway 61, not worrying what lies ahead, but excited about the ride. If you
have to sit somewhere, why not sit where you are comfortable, and my favorite
seat is behind bars, handlebars. Road ahead, confident that God will get me to
my destination, and my final one with him. We will all meet our maker some day,
why wait until it too late, know Jesus today, and ride assured tomorrow. You
never know what lies ahead, but you can know who.
Maybe a verse from Robert Johnson’s defining song, Crossroads Blues, where
he sold his soul, says it best.
“I
went to the crossroads, fell down on my knees,
I
went down to the crossroads, fell down on my knees,
Asked
the Lord above Have “have mercy now, save poor Bob if you
please.”
God
pleases, are you ready to meet your maker? Meet him at the cross, Robert didn’t
selling his soul to the devil. So close, yet so far away. Whether sung to the
blues, or to Clapton’s rock and roll beat, meet Jesus at the crossroads. Fall
down on your knees-the best fall you can ever make. That’s my Highway 61
Revisited. What’s yours? I just hope you look as forward to Highway 62 as I
do. So many roads, so little it time. It is not too late to change the road
you are on. Jesus paid your dues, so you don’t have to sing the blues. Now you
know.
love
with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com