The tall fence around the swim club, in the woods at the end of Algonquin
Drive was a great deterrent to us almost teen age kids. From a hill above we
could see over it, with its shiny and deep pools, diving boards, and lifeguards
chairs. But for most of us that was the only view we would ever get, as only
the rich belonged to the swim club, the rest of us didn’t. But during the
winter months when it was empty, we would risk going down by the entrance, a
chain link fence with barbed wire on top of it, giving a different, close up
look, but very limited. We got to know when the security guard did his rounds,
and it became a game to dodge him, before we got chased, being told “you kids
don’t being here,” as if he did based on his pay. But as it is when hanging
around the older guys, or those with older brothers, the tales were told of the
big guys in high school would climb the fence, and take a swim. These daring
guys were our heroes, and even when one would say hi instead of making fun of
you, you felt like a big deal. But one late spring afternoon before the pool
was officially open, we were hanging around as usual, when a group pulled up in
cars and got out, and climbed over the fence and began to swim. With one of
them asking “you guys want to join us?” Do we ever, so we watched as they
climbed over the barbed wire carefully, dropped down, and stripped to their
underwear. Amazing how pasty white a body turns over a New Jersey winter, and
soon we were swimming in the cold water with the big guys. Until the lookout
yelled “COPS!” and they all grabbed their clothes and quickly went out over the
fence in the back, where the access was easier, with no explanation of why they
didn’t enter that way in the first place. But we just did make it, freezing
cold running in the cold air, and thinking up the lies to tell our parents. But
really thinking up the cooler versions of climbing the fence and swimming with
the big guys. Something we never did again......
Looking back we never saw how the high school guys in their cars got past
the cops. We only ran like they were hot on our trail. But every time we would
go by there and play, it took on a different view. We had seen the other side
of the fence, we had been inside, and found the fence had two purposes. One to
keep those not allowed out, but once in, it had become a prison of sorts for us,
as we couldn’t get out. This haven for the rich and their families to swim had
been violated, and on one Memorial Day a few years later, using BH’s parents
pass, we went in through the front gate. Which made me feel as if they were
going to pull me aside and question me, “weren’t you with the big kids that day
who jumped the fence?” And no amount of denial would convince them otherwise.
Busted! Led out in cuffs, and dropped on the outside of the gate, “don’t even
try to come back, we know who you are.” And suddenly all the coolness of
breaking in vanished.....But I made it, but somehow the thrill was not the same,
nor the pool the same when filled with members. And I wasn’t one. If only his
parents ever found out.....
Depending on our audience, we tell the stories of Jesus in our life
different. Among other Christians we want to impress, it is “ all glory to God,
praise the Lord,” and he gets all the credit. Mostly. Too many times we have
to brag on our part, as if God had counseled with us first, “and of course
God...” and the story continues. But when in a group on non-believers, when
among those who can criticize and make fun of you, the story is different. The
doctor, the mechanic, even you are the hero, and God goes missing. And then
remorse sets in, and if we are smart we repent until the next time. We also try
to hide our sin the same way. Denying we were even there, but many times
missing the chance to share Jesus to someone God had put in our way. Consider
how the church has bagged on Peter for denying Jesus in the garden, after being
told he would. “Not me Jesus,” and off he went. Weeping bitterly after lying
to a teen age girl. But just suppose this girl wanted to hear about Jesus, she
knew he had been with him, and wanted to be saved, to hear the gospel? Sound
like too many of us when approached, a big shot in church, a scared rabbit
outside. Forgetting God has ordered things, he will give the words needed, and
never leave you. As you quickly tailor your testimony and alter him out. Too
many times when I felt threatened, I found strength in letting God’s words flow
from me. And we both were blessed. Remember, someone shared Jesus with you,
and it probably wasn’t in church. Peter was in the garden, Jesus was close by
as were his disciples. He had plenty of strength if needed, yet he fled. But
what a different Peter only weeks later when addressing the 3000, when the
spirit gave him the words.
Years ago at a Hollister Rally, we went by the Boozefighter’s booth wanting
get their new book. Just two guys and Theresa and I. When JQ, a head taller
than me put me in a headlock and asked “oh good, a Christian, I have a question
for you.” And my theological juices were flowing, wow, sharing Jesus with a
1%er. But his question, “can God make a rock so big he cannot lift it?”
surprised me as much as did my answer. “You don’t ask God stupid things like
that,” and he loved the answer. Even gave me his email to keep in touch. The
words the spirit had given me at that moment were the right ones, not what I had
planned. But a lesson learned, when asked “are you in the word?” can you
honestly say the word is in you? Scripture tells us the spirit is with us who
believe, so is the word in you? Your words may tell us different. We all need
the spirit just like Peter did.
Sin will put a wall between us and God, only Jesus can break it down. Some
try to escape looking for a way out and over, Jesus takes us through. On the
day I enter heaven it will be through the front gate, not over a fence. And the
heavenly gates will protect me, but remain open for others to enter, and those
inside will not wish to leave. But as for the lost, the gate they are found
behind is locked. For they will want to escape, but cannot. Knowing forever
they denied the truth that could have set them free.
To be honest, the water was freezing that day, and we were scared to death
of being caught. But the thought of jumping the fence, of being with the bigger
guys was too much. Don’t take your chances with heaven, be sure you can walk
right in the front gate, and be welcomed by Jesus himself. And avoid telling
your parents how you really got wet!
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com