January around our house means planning for the next summer’s long ride.
We used to call them trips, but they really are long rides, with stops in
between. And no matter how much time I spend researching, making reservations,
and reading maps, along the way we become flexible and change courses. If we
see a place we like, maybe spend an extra day, if too early in the day to stop,
the next town may be inviting us to spend the night there. So I use many
sources to plan, and already have made over 35 reservations, including the 14 I
cancelled. I have found it pays to reserve early, you can always cancel, and
the best ones fill up fast. That and some places give discounts for early
bookings....so book the ride we do. In days of old when we were bold we based
our days on 500 miles, which often turned into a lot more, one 847 mile ride
from San Antonio to Tucson comes to mind. But now 200-300 is the plan, and with
places to stop along the way, and side roads left to explore. Which has taken
us to many places we choose to return to, at one time taking notes to return,
now if we see it, we ride it. We never know if or when we may return, so we
seize the moment as they say. Or ride it.
I tend to stay away from cities, and popular areas, finding the back roads
and countryside more to our liking. Less traffic, more roads to ride, and
America is still out there, if you have the time to find it. There are still
motels on the old highway offering rest and friendliness to travelers, diners
who mean home cooking, and serve seconds, and locals who share history away from
the scheduled tours. We get out to where the tourists aren’t, and become a
local, if only for a day while there.
One night in Zanesville, Ohio, the manager of an old tourist court, the
cabins were individual, gave me a $10 discount for me and my bike, extending the
arm of brotherhood to a fellow rider. $14 for the night, and better than any
Motel 6 or discount chain. I slept in 50 years of history...knowing my bike and
its rider would be safe. Over breakfast another time, we were talking to the
cook behind the counter, and talked motorcycles. He remarked about the exhibit
at the local museum, and wondered if we knew of Von Dutch. When we said yes, he
called him up, and he came down and sat for a few minutes. Introduced himself as
Kenny, only on a bike. How many shop owners come down to help a broken down
biker on a Sunday night? Yet Tom did, fixed the bike, charged me $20, then lent
me money for a motel room. “Pay me when you get back....” I sent the check,
but how do you payback such hospitality? The best way I know is to extend it,
or pay it ahead as is the stylish term today. Welcome the stranger, feed and
water them and their steed, and send them away renewed and refreshed. One road
at a time, for we don’t know what is just up the road, or what tomorrow may
bring. One day you are on a ride to Wisconsin, the next day being life flighted
to Albuquerque. So we stay flexible, and find that God knows what is ahead, and
will take care of us. No matter where we end up, or how we get there.
I have found in life that God is a God of order. He will not let you
advance to the next step until you complete the one you are on. In the days of
Zechariah, when the city needed rebuilding, God gave them houses to build. I
know many contractors who would leap at the chance, and for a few days, many
did. But soon the grumbling began. Some were building bigger houses, some
smaller. Some building more, some less. And soon building houses was not
enough, they wanted to build cities, tabernacles, and the temple. And went to
Zachariah to complain. But God’s answer was as always right on, and he asked
them a question, as he usually does. “How can you want to build cities when you
cannot even build houses? If you cannot complete what I ask, what qualifies you
for bigger things?” And later Jesus would put it to the disciples another way,
“how can you remove the splinter from your friends eye when you cannot see the
log in your own?” God sure does ask a lot of questions, causing us to think
about the situation. Like traveling, you cannot change highways until you get
there, so enjoy the trip. And be surprised at the things, the blessings along
the way. Man plans, God laughs. But he also blesses abundantly, when riding in
his spirit.
Jesus is the way, the way to heaven, to the father. Reuniting us with God
after our sins. But he also is the way through life, and a great guide to
follow. Hungry, he knows what is open, and your appetite. Thirsty, stands
selling juice appear in the countryside. A bed for the night, he saves the last
one, the best one for you. Alone and wondering, he knows the way. Remember he
is the way. And he meets your needs. So many roads, and it is getting late,
don’t panic. He is patient with us, but don’t miss out. The best deal may be
the old motel in front of you, instead of the new luxury inn down the road.
Jesus knows the road, he spent his life on them, the ultimate trip planner.
Need help with that log?
And so God has sent his spirit to guide us, to comfort us, and assure us.
Wonderful counselor is how he is called, he knows your budget, where you like
to ride, and the roads to take. So stay the course, you never know what lies
ahead. On one trip to Springville, we took a road over the mountain and ended
up in Exeter. A great destination we return to. Another night led me to a
State Trooper in Ohio, who led me back to the highway. “This is a place people
wander into and don’t return,” he warned. And one night in Victoria, needing a
room, we got the last room,, a suite, for a room price, she called over to the
kitchen, which was closed, and they stayed open for us. Sitting and talking,
asking about our trip. And when we left, she handed me the key to the spa,
which was closed. From Jesus to today, God knows the road you are on, and has a
place for you. Follow him to get there....even if it is cold and dark.
Monopoly taught us that five houses equal a hotel. A hotel is one night, 5
houses a weeklong ride. Don’t be in such a hurry you miss Jesus. He is found
in the least likely of places, and if the inn is full, try the barn. One night
in Bethlehem it served as the entry of Jesus into the world. What Jewish
theologian would have predicted that? One road at a time, the one you are on.
Isn’t it good that God has a plan for you, and your ride? One day at a time,
one road at a time. Like in details, it is the smaller back roads where we see
the hand of God. And get to eat of his harvest. Where the cattle you pass will
someday be the special, the cows your milk for your breakfast. Deal with the
splinter, build the house, let God add unto you. And as long as there is room
for him in your house, you will never be lonely or hungry. See you on the
road....
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com