There is no quick way to get across Texas. It is big, even the shortest
way across the Panhandle is 200 miles, and across the middle of it can take
days. Having ridden the Panhandle too many times, it is either the gateway to
Oklahoma or the way out, we decided to ride across, and saw another side of
Texas. Now Texas is about attitude as well as about its size, and on one ride
taking I-10 out of San Antonio, stopped for gas in Junction,Texas. Speed limit
70 mph, we were riding along at a sedate 75, when we got pulled over by the
local sheriff and revenue enhancer. Seems we had fallen victim to the largest
speed trap in the state, he wrote so fast while the 250 pound Local Leroy sat in
his air conditioned Suburban, we didn’t have time to complain, and he was across
four lanes and a median and writing another ticket before we had our helmets
back on to leave. Maybe I should have just thought of it as an expensive
souvenir....quite the contrary to the manager in Hill country who gave us free
dinner and offered to take the day off to show us the great roads there. Guess
who rides...
Later in that day we followed an S500 Mercedes Benz at 120 mph for over an
hour, no cops in sight as his radar guided us, and when we both stopped for gas,
only a tipping of hat and helmet acknowledged our riding/driving together.
Which got us into El Paso early, which is known for the world’s largest Harley
dealer, and murder and crime. We have an abundance of all three, so we kept
going, to me El Paso means keep going, don’t stop. You’ll be glad you didn’t.
But on another ride across US 70 farther north, we got to see real Texas, and
why when they sing about the stars at night being big and bright, now we know.
We had stopped for gas and food at the intersection with I-35, and were
about to enter into a long ride of small towns. When paying for gas, the girl
behind the counter, warned us of speed traps in some small towns. She not only
knew the towns, but where they would hide, and who would be hiding in the car by
name. After our Junction experience we paid attention, and she was right down
to who was in the cars. Stopping at the DQ’s along the way for refreshment, you
are reminded Texans drink Dr. Pepper, and love football, as each store in each
town was like a pep rally on this Friday night. I never watched the TV show
Friday Night Lights, but I have been there and done that. But later riding
under star lit skies, it got dark, and for the last three hours into Lubbock, we
had the most spectacular sky show of lightning I have ever seen. Above the
clouds, it reflected through and we saw the glory of God like no other ride.
Unbelievable to describe, he lit up the road for us, as we followed as the
lightning guided us to our motel, and just as we pulled in, the rains came. As
we fell asleep that night to the rain and wind, we felt secure that God was
watching and had everything under the heavens, and in the heavens under
control. Texas may be known as the Lone Star State, I can testify that star is
named Jesus, and he rides nightly with those that believe. Reminding us that as
much as the ride is often the destination, he holds a place for us in heaven
awaiting our arrival. The eyes of Texas may be upon you, but so is his
love.
If we had based our Junction encounter on all of Texas, we would have
missed out on the true flavor of the state. Christians fall short the same way
thinking church is as good as it gets, and too many associate the church as
God. When a poll was taken by one Stickerman years ago, he asked how people
felt about the church. It was blistering, “they don’t care, they only want our
money, they are fun suckers, they are too religious,” and the list went on. But
when they were asked about Jesus, they replied “a good man, savior, Son of God,
philosopher, healer, and prophet.” Their attitude changing drastically,
confusing Jesus and the church. All it may take is one bad experience, and who
hasn’t had one at church to sour us on God. While some are driven by teaching
and fellowship, both needed, to many it is a social Sunday, and to some CEO’s,
Christmas and Easter only. But when we meet the real Jesus, we see who he is,
and why he came, and we see why his eyes are always upon us, because he loves
us, not waiting for us to fall so he can ridicule us, but to be there to pick us
up, brush us off, and put us on the right path. Men may mean well, but we are a
poor substitute for knowing Jesus. So don’t confuse the two, nor let yourself
be deceived.
Our life is one long ride, almost like riding across Texas, and we only
remember the traffic stops and the time wasted and the cost involved. Some days
are like El Paso, “I spent a week there one afternoon,” but most of life is like
riding the back roads. Being out among the people like Jesus was, seeing the
blessings all around, and when the storms hit, seeing his glory as he protects
you and keeps you safe, getting you to your destination, if only for the night.
When Jesus is interwoven in all aspects of you ride, you ride different. You
enjoy the ride more, you begin to see things through his eyes, and it is more
personal. You not only see the stars, but know the one who put them in place.
You are guided by his spirit, reflected in his light, and his glory shines upon
you and through you. You see why some may comment like they did to Stickerman,
but learn to love them anyway, because Jesus does and he loves you, just as you
are. And were. He gathers us together in spiritual unity, not denominational,
or by heritage, or what your license plate says. When we are one in the spirit,
we are one with God the father, and the son. We need all three....
So next time you are greeted as “y’all,” do you know the plural of y’all?
“All y’all,” just like the trinity, we need the all y’all of God in our daily
lives. So to all y’all enjoy the ride, don’t hurry through Junction, and know
he is more than a Friday night light. His eyes are upon you all the live long
day, and they remind me of the one I love, deep in the heart of Texas. Remember
the Alamo, but never forget Jesus. Just in case Stickerman asks you....
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com