Trying to avoid the freeways of Iowa at all costs, we wandered off into the
Loess Hills Scenic Byway looking for breakfast. Never heard of the Loess Hills,
pronounced Luss? They are one of only three places in the world where the hills
are made of blowing dust, and are beautiful to look at and ride in. Think of
terraced farmland over a 150 mile ride of winding two lane roads, little if any
traffic except locals, small towns that are even small by small town standards,
and you get the idea, and a must ride road. But akin to trying to find a place
to eat off a freeway exit, the small downtowns that service the farmers beckon
you with signs about home cooking, and friendly service. It was one of these
non-descript places we wandered into on Father’s Day a few years back. While
all the bigger places were filled up, we rather be riding than standing in line,
so we kept going, until needing gas and nourishment forced us to stop and
refuel. Still not sure of the town, they speak of counties in these parts, but
we wandered into the Old Home Fill-er Up and “Keep on Truckin’ Café. Getting
there just in time to miss breakfast, so settled for their lunch special on this
Father’s Day. If breaded pork loin sounds good, this was excellent, and for
$4.95 with fries, it was 1980 prices in 2016. In between bites we watched as
the locals came in, and were given their regular drinks, people greeted by name,
I was glad we didn’t happen to be setting at anyone’s regular table. We sat out
in the diner part, but found a dance hall with a bar and booths on our way to
the rest rooms in back. Lots of lively conversation, generations of families
coming in for their Dad’s Day feast, and we felt right at home. Even a chat or
two while leaving, with two older men sitting on the bench, commenting about
when they used to ride, didn’t everyone, and about the things they had heard
about Cal-EE-fornia. Some pictures taken, and back on the bike, full and happy,
with more Loess Hills to ride.
With the perfect afternoon dessert awaiting us in Le Mars, at the Blue
Bunny Ice Cream Factory and Museum. Small town US of A at its best, good food,
good roads, and good people. And like the old James Taylor song said, “with ten
miles behind me and ten thousand more to go..” on a trip of 7300 miles in 23
days. With my apologies to James. But back roads that go nowhere always seem
to take us somewhere, to places we may have missed, and faces we would never
have been acquainted with. Maybe I should not have told about the Loess Hills,
but now that the secret is out, the OHFEUAKOTC may have to run a second shift,
or make more room at the all you can eat salad bar. I just hope it doesn’t
happen in my life time.
It has been said many ways that man plans and God laughs, I can relate to
that, but he may be laughing with you in good fun and in joy. So many are all
about the road they are on, they miss the stops along the way. Only eat at
franchised restaurants, only at name brand motels, and never try anything to eat
you cannot pronounce or never heard of. They lead good lives, but boring and
unexciting lives, just the opposite of what God promises, but what their
religion demands. Fit in with the crowd, don’t stick out, don’t make waves,
follow the catechism, follow our study notes, and we will be the path to God you
need. Don’t even think of looking elsewhere....forgetting many in the Bible who
did. For instance....
Abraham,when given a choice of which road to take, took the one less
traveled, and a whole race of people were born. How many out of the way places
did he eat and sleep? Paul on the road to Damascus, and then roads to Malta,
Corinth, the Collosian area, maybe time spent on the Roman Road, where he knew
all the good spots, but allowing God to take him down roads he never dreamt of.
How abut the many roads travelled by the apostles, never mentioned by name, but
familiar to them. Imagine a group of fisherman going inland for the first time
and the sights they saw. Two men who encounter Jesus on the road after his
crucifixion, now there is a road I would like to travel. And of course Moses,
who for 40 years wandered and never left the area, home cooking everyday, great
weather to ride in and shoes that never wear out. Yet they complained, which
says more about us than we wish to admit. But what about the road you are on,
where have you been and where is it leading? Maybe it is like my friend
insists, as long as you are not out of gas you are not lost. And running on and
with the spirit is the only way to ride.
Leading a homogenized Christian lifestyle? Know all the Christian artists,
have the latest book cover, have a collection of different crosses for each
outfit? Can’t wait to see what your friends are wearing for Easter Sunday?
Sitting in the same pew, singing the same songs, and telling yourself “this is
all there is to Jesus...” you may be under the influence of Moses, and the law.
For where the spirit of the Lord is there is liberty, but the law convicts. Do
you desire to go deeper in Christ, or just learn more? Is he just a part of
religion, or do you call him friend? If he sat next to you in church, would you
recognize him, and offer him a seat? Would it matter if you did? Yet so much
of the gospel is yet to be revealed, as Jesus told us that if all the things he
did were written, no library could hold them. Is that old time religion still
good enough for you?
Can it be that in our so called Christian walk we have become snobs? Our
church, our pastor, our way of fellowship is better? Maybe a meal or two at
some out of town café is in order. Stop in a small church and see how welcomed
you are. See how Jesus is not only not restricted by religion, but by our
selfish ways. The best is yet to come, and along the way we can enjoy it all in
Christ. You can either super size your meal, or have a super meal, God sized.
The Bible tells of feeding the 5000, it is the small meals along the way with
the disciples that they would remember best. Maybe that is why when we have
communion Jesus said “do this in remembrance of me,” of the good times around
the table, of the conversations one on one, and of the strangers we meet along
the way, but leave as friends. There is a Loess Hills for each one of us, ours
that day was in Iowa. A Sabbath all its own, a day to rest on Father’s Day.
Get off the freeway and find a way that will set you free. Now who among
wouldn’t want to take a ride like that?
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com