“Life is for the living,” my friend Ken signs off in his letters. And one
of my favorite songs tells us “life is worth the living just because he lives.”
Yet Hunter Thompson, the original Gonzo reminds us to live life to the fullest,
used up and wasted, crashing at the end, “what a trip.” And for many of us,
what a long strange trip it has been. Thanks Jerry for the inspiration. Ask
anyone “if they are happy?” and they will lie “yes.” But we know better, we
listen to their conversations, listen to their dreams, and hear of their bucket
list. Some wear license plate frames telling us “he who dies with the most toys
wins,” never mentioning they still die. So many avenues are taken in life, some
safe and secure, some just off the mainstream and some Gonzo. But years ago
without knowing it, I chose to live life as if it were a story that I would want
to read. Influenced by The Hardy Boys, detectives who would solve crimes while
still in high school, I loved the excitement of them riding motorcycles, speed
boats, dating girls, and brushing with danger chasing criminals. I wanted to be
out where the action was, and wanted to be the one telling the story, rather
than listening to others and their excitement. As I spent time in locker rooms,
listening to the stories of past victories, great catches, shots made with two
seconds left, and the crowd roaring, I wanted to be part of it. Motorcycles
introduced me to bench racing, and men who once were considered old by us, now
who we wanted to hang out with, we loved the stories of how it used to be. Of
brushes with death, of riding in the rain, of impromptu races, and the
brotherhood of fellow riders. I wanted to be part of it, and the invitation had
been extended in each case, the question was “how would I answer?”
After 44 years of street riding, I still find the call of the open road as
strong as ever. For every road I have ridden, when I revisit it on a new bike,
it is like it is the first time. Along the way I now take the time to see where
that road goes, and when asked about destinations, I answer “directions.” One
trip for two weeks had no destination except follow the road, while others have
preplanned stops, and change along the way. Flexibility in finding new roads,
dealing with weather and detours, and tips from others we meet add excitement.
Perhaps my son’s answer to his friend who was bragging about his vacation says
it best, at age 9 he got it. “My dad and I rode his motorcycle to Canada.” How
many lines did you stand in at Disneyland? Or suffered through another
staycation? How many vacation films or pictures have you looked at and wish you
were in? Again a woman on a trip in an SUV filled with kids, getting out and
looking exhausted at Crater Lake. One look at our motorcycle, she asked “wanna
trade?” Theresa’s smile said no with more than any words can speak. Next time
you walk across the parking lot, do people stop to look at your sedan, or are
you mesmerized by a motorcycle, wondering where they have been and where they
are going and even if you don’t ride, wonder “I wonder what that feels
like?”
But when Jesus enters your life, things begin to happen. You change, and
soon you become excited about life, and can break free from religion. When
asked how long he had been preaching a man replied “30 years,” to which the
questioner replied, “I know, the same thing over and over.” Not taken by
surprise, the preacher answered “and if you ever listen to what I have said, I
can move on to the next subject.” Sound like your life? Is your service so
predictable, that you know when the songs are finished, when so and so will walk
in late and make you move, and when the service will end? And how? Is that all
that god is in your life? Maybe you need a vacation, a spiritual retreat from
the ordinary, you need a trip with the holy spirit. Ask Jesus to take you
places you have never been, to add excitement to your life, but be prepared.
When you pray and ask to be more like Jesus, remember how he suffered, never
owned a home or car, and was on call 24/7. Did you forget his crucifixion? But
have you forgotten his resurrection too? Is your life stale, in need of
resurrecting? You can only resurrect something that was alive once and has
died, where are you with Jesus? Our answer is not important, be honest, where
is Jesus in your life? Is the spirit as fresh and alive in it as it was the day
of salvation? Do you look forward to your weekend as much as your next ride, or
are both the same as last weekend, and the one before that? Have you cut
yourself off from the world thinking that was the way, and found it was lonely?
A quick trip to the Bible and some simple advice may help.
“Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every
opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so you will have
the right response to everybody.” Colossians 4:5-6. Get out and live, and live
life as if it were a story you would want to read. Maybe something as simple as
trying a new dish at the diner, turning off the TV and going for a ride with the
family down to the drive-in. Maybe be real bold, and ask God “what would you
have me do?” You may end up working with homeless, elderly, ministering to
hookers and bikers, and taking the knowledge of what you learned in church out
to the lost and dying. You will be building a testimony and encouraging them!
Maybe be brave and sell a toy or two, and take a trip in one. No trailer queens
in our garage, with each mile new memories are made. Are you tired because you
are tired of living? In a rut? It is really only a grave, but with open ends,
and an escape route.
I want everything from God I can get. He likes to bless, and I like being
blessed. But I find when I am out where the action is, I can become a blessing,
and share the Lord, many times just being part of a conversation. We are told
to go out and share the gospel, evangelism is not just inviting someone to
church. We are the church-so start acting like one.
We all fail, but never succeed if we don’t at least try. The disciples
were all losers, and many failed while following Jesus, Peter gives example
after example. But he never looked back, he kept going, pressing on. Knowing
that Jesus forgave him, and was urging him on to greater things. Not content to
sit on the bike in the showroom, or on a simple test ride around the block, he
wanted the full ride in Christ. Do you? Or are you content just cruising
around your neighborhood revving your engine? “Jim’s home..” as they hear his
rumble. Or when they see you and ask “what’s new?” you have stories to tell?
That you would want to listen to, and so do they. The ride of your life is
calling, for now your answer has been at best, “later.” Today was tomorrow
yesterday. Tomorrow never comes, but yesterday stays forever. Get out and live
life, let the Lord into your plans, and see how exciting life can be. Even dogs
love to go for walks, what do they know we don’t? On your motorcycle you can
find out why they hang their heads out the window. The rushing wind in your
face, the rushing wind that the spirit brings into a life is waiting, what are
you waiting for? If you were a book would you want to read about you?
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com