An old French saying tells us “to never criticize a man’s love making or
his driving, and not necessarily in that order.” I will never know if, or care
if someone’s amorous affectations are of noble or skilled effort, but your
driving skills may come into question at any given time. One afternoon I went
to look at the new 280Z, stopping at the local Datsun dealer. An attractive
woman salesperson approached, offered me a test ride, so I took her up on it.
She was new to sales, and kept touching my arm, telling me how “men are such
better drivers,” and making me feel uncomfortable. When I had finally had
enough, and the exit was coming up, I dropped down a gear, hit the throttle,
picked up 20 mph, and went into the exit hard and fast. Slamming on the brakes,
exhibiting perfect oversteer, we slid sideways coming to a stop, just short of
the light. She was shaken, and quiet the rest of the trip back to the dealer.
And when she got out, I saw why. The seat she was on was wet, and her denim
skirt had the same wet mark as the seat. Fast girls and cars....
I was new to selling motorcycles, and new to dirt bikes. The only dirt in
Jersey was gravel about to be paved over. So riding the new Suzuki RM370 in New
Mexico was an adventure to me. And when a young kid wanted to see how it ran
before he bought it, I ran it around the dirt lot in back. Sliding sideways,
under control, my adrenaline pumping, I decided one last roost, as he shouted
encouragement. I hit the pavement too fast, sled sideways the length of the
store, across 3 lanes of traffic, and stood the bike up after hitting the curb,
and accelerated off. Scared to death, and with my pants worn off, I returned
ego bruised as well. “That was cool, do it again...” was all he asked. No
encores that day, and I forget if he bought the bike. Yet something inside us
makes us show off, and in most of my cases show what a fool I am.
Sometimes it isn’t all about the rider, but the equipment. I know guys
whose wives refuse to ride with them because the seat is too thin and not
padded. For some reason sitting n a 2x4 the long way for hours doesn’t thrill
them. A concession to style, they don’t get it. Same with choice of clothing,
leathers look good when cold, but at 90 degrees...and who wants to ride on the
thin veneer of a seat on the back of a sports bike? Yet many do, in bikinis.
Only once after a fall...or catching too many bugs and gravel. Many men still
wonder why they haven’t had that elusive second date, all because she wants to
ride, just not with them. She too wants to feel the wind in her face, the
freedom of riding, just not in mortal fear. With eyes open , not shut, and
holding on in the curves, just not for dear life. Pay attention guys, a free
dating tip....don’t ask me how I know. Ask yourself, would you ride with
you?
A younger friend of mine loves Jesus. He goes out witnessing, not sure how
you can turn the spirit off and on, and will stand on street corners yelling the
gospel. And wonders why he gets no takers. Even when I tell him that whenever
I hear someone yelling, no matter the message I cross over to avoid them, he
carries on. Zealous, caring, about himself, just not in the spirit. No one
wants to come to church with him when he invites them. Another friend is
always telling people about the sin in their lives. That they are going to
hell, and even though his message is accurate, his attitude and processes show
no love. And many avoid him. I have seen well meaning men carry Bibles into
outlaw biker groups, who avoid them, yet when I just sit and visit, they open
up. Spending time with me should tell you more about Jesus in me than any
shouting. Yet some feel compelled to push people into heaven, while really
pushing them away. Jesus invites...you make the choice. If you are a
representative of Christ, would you want to be like you? Or are you the one we
avoid? A few years back I encountered two Boozefighters at a national rally.
Both national officers, when they saw my Christian patch, one put me in a
headlock. “I have a question for you..” and all my theological juices were
flowing. Here was my chance to show him what I knew...yet the words God gave me
came out different. He asked, “could God make a rock so big he couldn’t pick it
up?” And my words surprised me as much as they pleased him, “you don’t ask God
foolish questions like that.” He liked the answer, signed his book, gave me
his email and we became friends. God knew the right answer, I was more
concerned about me. I don’t know where he is with Jesus, I am only a messenger,
but if they don’t like the message, or you, they will never hear it. So God
tells us to be a doer of the word, not just a sayer. Show compassion, listen,
then speak. And feed the hungry, give drink to the the thirsty, welcome the
stranger, and don’t forget those in jail or who cannot get out. Show love, that
covers a multitude of sins. What do you see when you hear Jesus mentioned? I
see him walking through the crowd while feeding the 5000, offering seconds,
visiting with people, talking to kids, and listening to their parents
questions. Showing love the whole time...is that what people see in your
Jesus? Or do they run and hide...like I do when I see them coming?
Some ride alone WTO, and wonder why. Some Christians live the same way.
Consider a piece of advice given me long ago. People will care about what you
say when they see how much you care. About them. Do you care for the lost?
The poor and hungry? Maybe a test ride in a 280Z can change your attitude. Or
one fast lap around a dirt track. When your passenger is comfortable, feels
safe and secure, you both enjoy the ride more. Works with Jesus too, would you
wheelie with him on back? But would you trust him to wheelie with you on back?
Base your ability to show love on him, and no one will ever criticize your God.
Make it all about Jesus, leave the decision up to them, it is between them and
Jesus just like it is between you and him. Life isn’t all about the ride, but
who you ride it with. The ride the destination, with more life to follow
after. A change in seats may be just what your marriage needs, listening to the
spirit is what we all need. And when she says “let’s ride some more,” or you
hear “tell me more about Jesus...” let God have control. Day rides become
overnighters, overnighters become vacations, and soon become life. For riding
too. Ask yourself, would you ride with you? And I’m not criticizing you, just
describing you. And not necessarily in that order.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com