Now that I am retirement age, 65 going on 16, my peer group is making
decisions for life after work. With a common question, as we all find out we
come up short in money for our new life, “would you change anything in your
past? If so, what would you change and where would you rather be today?” My
answer has been and always will be the same, “nothing.” I am content in Jesus
Christ, and even though we all hate the word change, and few if any of us like
to, I looked back on my life when retiring, and the one thing in my life was
change. Along with Jesus, motorcycles, and Theresa, the only stability, which
have all gotten better. So why would I want to go back and change
anything....when I have so much to look forward to?
At age 10 I was in Mrs. Vanderbilt’s fourth grade class, always in trouble,
she told my parents I was too much boy, my life being all about kickball, my
Schwinn Sting Ray, and The Hardy Boys. I was in her class the day JFK was shot,
we were sent home early, never understanding the impact. My least favorite
teacher.
Ten years after, I was working at Polychrome, had a career and was hating
it. We had been chased from Florida by various law enforcement agencies, had
two BMW motorcycles totaled from out from under me and was riding my R90S. My
life was all about riding, partying, and girls, hating my place in life, yet
having a good time, so I would tell people. It was also the last year before I
met Jesus Christ, and it seemed all hell was breaking loose. But just at the
right time he appeared, and looking back, he had saved me many times when I
wasn’t saved. How could having fun make you so miserable....
Ten years after, I was married, with a son, having met and married Theresa
in Albuquerque, moved to Durango, lived in a cabin at 8300’, and moved back to
New Mexico. My life was all about Jesus, Theresa, motorcycles, and Coca Cola,
but never in that order. Jesus was always there, but sometimes put on hold.
Riding my KZ750, then my 650 Nighthawk, interfering with priorities, I was
happy and blessed....not knowing it would only last a short time...seems I never
had enough.
Ten years after New Mexico, I was living in San Diego, having been hired
away by a competitor in outside selling. I had two sons, was making great
contacts in off road racing, with little time to ride. I hated selling, but it
fed my family, and I had learned to trust in the Lord, not man or my job. The
three things in my life that were constant was Jesus, Theresa and my boys, and
motorcycling. With not enough time for any to enjoy like I wanted to. I was
told that was life, not true. But God was doing a work in me....and in the next
ten years, how things would change!
Ten years after, I was working for Mercedes Benz and making more money than
I thought possible. Jesus, motorcycles, work, and Theresa were the most
important things in my life, changing all the time. My sons were growing, not
yet grown, and we were a two Triumph household. We were active in our church,
but growing in Christ outside of church also, with my heart drifting towards
ministry. We owned our fourth home, and all seemed right with the world, but
that too was to change suddenly. But God still had our lives under control,
even if I wasn’t sometimes. If only I could get my priorities right, how my
life would be fulfilled......
And then ten years after, I had a plastic aorta, had made medical history,
was living on disability, and pastoring to people living on the edge. No one
had prepared me for this, but in Jesus I had all I would ever need. I was able
to enjoy life more fully, able to see God at work in me daily, and by his spirit
I had a new life to live. I was changing still, we call it growth, and closer
to God than ever before. Something that would not have worked before, as his
timing and my experiences would serve me then and today. More time to ride,
more time with Theresa, and always with Jesus....and today...
At age 65, retired but still pastoring when needed, still writing
devotions, and still have my prisoner ministry, and my friends in it. We are
down to Theresa’s Mustang and four motorcycles in the garage, I am working on my
second million miles riding, too many bikes and still not enough time, and a
happy grandpa. Still a father, always someone who needs me for something, it
seems some things never change, and Jesus is more real to me today than ever.
He has been with me when my aorta exploded and I should be dead, when I was left
for dead on the side of the road when hit and run while riding, he has fed us
when food was in short supply, money a dream, and wondering how to raise kids.
He was with me in the good times, the bad times, and the in between times, all
the time, even when he wasn’t my first choice. So would I change
anything....
I have no idea about ten years after this, but know where I will spend
eternity. Can you say the same thing? I plan on riding another 20 years, want
to see my grandsons saved and growing in the Lord, to see my sons successful and
blessed, and to be with Theresa forever. I have been blessed way beyond my
imagination or any prayer I have ever asked, I have seen 48 states from behind
handlebars, met famous people, and seen Jesus at work daily. So should it even
surprise you that “no, I wouldn’t change anything, but glad that Jesus changed
me.” Ten years after I am in heaven, I hope your legacy is one filled with
memories and a testimony of Jesus Christ. The only thing I hope to pass on to
my family. Suddenly ten years seems so quick. And only after Jesus came into
my life did life truly begin. Who could ask for anything more?
with apologies to Alvin Lee and Ten Years After, by the way Happy 50th
Anniversary!
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com
