riding where AAA fears to tread

"Pray for us," I asked. "We are going on a four day road trip. And we are going in the car." Now a four day road trip is sort of a mini trip for us, no big deal. But the words, "going in the car," gave it special meaning. Unlike most people who only drive their cars, and then take an occasional trip on two wheels, we are just the opposite. We travel by motorcycle, so going in the car was to be a real novelty for us. And to add to the novelty, it was supposed to rain for four days, so at least good riding weather would not be wasted by being in the car. And of course, the usually unreliable weatherman was inaccurate, and we only had one day of rain. But it was unusually cold for So Cal, and with high speed winds, so it wasn't a total loss, and we were glad to be in the car. It was like God was rewarding us for taking the car by giving us bad weather so we didn't miss the bike. But I still did. I still waved to other bikes from the car. Old habits die hard.

And since I drive so little, it is always interesting to drive with me. Andrew won't, he says I drive like I ride a motorcycle. And I probably do, I just have a little problem lane splitting with the Mustang, but I learn patience and listen to music, something I don't do while riding. So all in all, we had a great four days of driving, including beautiful weather for being in a car-even turned the heater on a couple of times, and after four days without handlebars, I was ready for a motorcycle again.

Now we particularly love the Central Coast of California. The whole world seems nicer once you get above Santa Barbara, and with the golden hills on one side, and the blue Pacific on the other side, make the ride one that travel magazines for years have tried to express in word and picture, but must be travelled to fully enjoy. As we have travelled these roads very often, we decided to take some back roads we hadn't used in years. Visit some other small towns, before the trendy wine sippers take them over altogether. And sadly, they are getting fewer and farrer between. Los Olivos, once a small farming town, now is wine tasting central for Los Angelinos, with rooms at Fess Parker's Inn going for over $400 a night. Small towns like Orcutt and Guadalupe are evening showing signs of concession to tourists, as once quaint small towns now cater to those on weekends, and force the locals to go elsewhere. Surprised-not really, disappointed-yes, but still some of the prettiest scenery in-between that you can ever see. But like most real road trips, it is about the roads, and where once we travelled 45 mph on two lane roads, through canyons and valleys, now we travelled four lane highways at 70mph-maybe it is true that LA is a great big freeway, and now includes anything within a 200 mile radius. Central Coast-see it while you can, and can afford it.

Listening to a George Harrison song, the words "If you don't know where you are going, any road will get you there," describes a perfect ride for us. Follow roads to see where they go, and like Woody says, "as long as you have gas you aren't lost." Follow an old road through the country, and watch the farmers at work. And wave back at them, as they wave first at you. Sit in a small cafe for lunch-at the counter if it has one, and listen to the locals comment on world events, and see how much we really do have in common. Eat some veggies-fresh from the farm, and see how they taste funny compared to so-called fresh from weeks of refrigeration in some mega-warehouse. Eat a hamburger, not preformed, but made by hand, and bigger than the bun it comes on. And like us, since the water in So Cal tastes like a pool, drink the local water-it's free and refreshing.

But what about the mud on the floor? Sorry, ranchers don't remove their shoes to eat. But what about the prices, they seem high. Sorry, ranchers don't get small portions-they need the nourishment. So when the platter, instead of the plate comes full, and fresh, don't worry about getting your money's worth. Clean the platter as a compliment to the cook-not chef, if you can, and you'll see why real cowboys eat with their hats on-so they can pull them down when done, and take a short nap. BURP! Ahh, much better.

Many don't realize it, but Jesus spent most of His ministry on the road. Taking back roads, going to where the people were, and sitting at the counter when he could. Not to draw attention to Himself, but just to fit in-you see He loves people, and likes to hang with them. Being God, He always knew where He was headed, but also being a man, liked to visit new places, and try new things-He was adventurous. And I can very easily see Him riding a motorcycle. Even when the weatherman predicted rain and wind. He would just command them to stop. He could and does still the waves in our lives today. Food-never far from a good place to eat as long as He was around, from a small meal to eating with 5000, He still knows the best places to eat.

But the difference of travelling with Jesus is He knows the roads you are on. He knows where to detour, where to make time, and when to just slow down and enjoy the ride. He also knows that the best destination is heaven, and encourages you to go there with Him, never forcing His way upon you. And like the perfect tour guide, He gives you the choices, and let's you make the choice-rejoicing when you choose Him and His ways-and feeling sorrow, but still loving you when you reject Him. He waves to you-even if you don't wave back, and even if you are in a car. And spending time with Him, and marveling at His creation, just make the ride that much better. And when we meet other Christians who enjoy spending time with Him, well the Bible calls it church-wherever two or more are gathered in His name. Fellowshipping, sharing testimonies, and learning of new places to ride, eat, and ride. You see we all are passing through, but it only those who ride with Jesus who will pass on to heaven. No other way to get there, and not just any road will get you there.

Do you know where you are going? Jesus does, and wants to be your tour guide for life. Riding more and enjoying it less-let Him lead. Get off the highway of life, and onto a highway of life. Trust Him and go places you never knew existed. And if you must-take the car.

Those of us who ride know of the freedom only riding can express. But those of us riding with Jesus know true freedom, words cannot describe it. So, for four days we took the car, and saw a side of Jesus we hadn't experienced in a while. But still couldn't wait to ride again-that's a freedom I never want to miss!

Get outta town. Pick a road that you've never ridden on. Eat a meal you wouldn't if at home, and spend time with someone who you haven't spent time with in a while. Freedom in the spirit-and on a road that I may not know where it goes-but that I know where it ends up. Take a road trip of the heart today.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

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such a deal I have for you

Life was different 40 years ago. We had a different outlook-the space race was going on, and we also were in the midst of a Cold War. But I have found if you want to get a more personal perspective on the people in any time frame, read the ads. Looking back at an issue of Popular Science, a news stand date from November 1963, one that would have been on the news stands before the Kennedy assassination, we see a much different America than we remember, or are reminded by rewritten history.

Wen sold a soldering pistol for $4.75. Pontiac was building Wide Tracks! Universal Schools would train you to be an accident investigator, and make $6.44/hour. For $1.98 you could learn to hypnotize people, money back if not satisfied. New accordions for 1/2 price! Subscriptions-$2 per year. Pall Mall cigarettes-outstanding, and they are mild. Enjoy life with Miller High Life! Enjoy your Kodak 35F camera, for only $129. Take 10 shots with just one fast, manual winding! Crescent Wrenches-made in upstate New York. People who sharpen saws with Foley can make $3-6-per hour! And with an hour's pay you can buy a Dr. Grabow pipe, needs no breaking in.

Here's one-government surplus sale. Right above an ad for US Savings Bonds. Jeeps from $197, carbines from $20, boots, 65 cents, and refrigerators from $5. And all products made in the US of A! Direct from the government-ours! And you can record all this for posterity on your Polaroid Color Pack camera. Life just couldn't get any better.

These are things my grandparents and parents would have been interested in, and it makes me think of things my grandfather never saw. He never had voice mail, yet never missed a call when home. They would call back-what a novel thought. No e-mail either, I still have handwritten letters from him, nothing like the old pencil on a note pad, personal notes. They had an early color TV, remember the NBC peacock, so you would know it was in color, and dream about having one someday? Gas was about 30 cents/gallon, and the attendant would ask if you wanted ethyl? Then check your oil and wash your windshield. We weren't self serviceable yet. He would buy food from the Acme, and I can remember shopping with him once at Two Guys, and commenting on how much junk can from Japan. He never heard of Wal-Mart, or Chinese products. He worked for an American company, Ingersoll-Rand, who made products they shipped all over the world. Exporting, not importing.

Shirts, pants, and socks. Made in mills, some close to their home in Pennsylvania, where the churches raised money by preparing lunches for the mill workers. Good home cooking, and affordable. For these workers helped build America.

And we had no further to look for work ethics than our parents. Or grandparents, who had come through the depression. And knew the value of a dollar, even if it was only worth 90 cents-then. Kids were taught ethics, morals, and didn't need rules-you would not do anything to embarrass your parents, that was a fate worse than death. Not to mention the ever present threat of "getting the belt."

But two events happened in 1963, which changed America, and us. Kennedy was assassinated, and with him many dreams for our age died with him. And age of innocence, even though we were immersed in a cold war. Somehow we were different after that, and events helped usher in the escalation of Viet Nam, and the rebelliousness of the late sixties. But the other important event, was when we took prayer out of schools. Telling God, upon whom our nation was built, you cannot come in the classroom anymore. The Bible-can't read it there. Praying-keep it to yourself, and don't get caught, they don't care even if it is finals week. And with this one heinous action, we lost more than the reading and praying. We lost our freedom, although we didn't realize it at first. Where once we used to want to do the opening of our school day, you had to be elected by your classmates to read the Bible, say the Lord's prayer, say the pledge of allegiance, and sing a patriotic song-now we sang a patriotic song, that was to disappear, and say the Pledge, if you wanted. No requirement to stand and say it. We had lost more than a right to stand, we had lost the freedom it represented. And have never gotten back.

"Be a hero, save a whale, save a baby, go to jail." Whales are more important than life, and we wonder why society is rushing into the toilet. But God-two powerful words, that define a Christian's life, are still present. You see, if not for God, we would be like India, China, and other third world countries. Who by the way, ban the Bible, and public praying. You can be jailed or killed for it-by the government. And who now send us a majority of the products we used to produce here. Where freedom is defined as what the state allows you to do, and we find people still dying for the cross 2000 years after the crucifixion of Jesus.

You see, some things never change. God is one of them. Aren't you glad, so you know what to expect of Him, and from Him? No new revelations, like some cults, and not a socially based agenda. God has always been pro-people, and has always been the best form of leadership. His system works, but He doesn't force it on you.

Try Him today. Ask Him to meet your needs, and heal your land. He promises to listen, if you humble yourself and pray. Silently, publicly, in a group or alone-He hears. But God listens, and responds. may He find favor with our requests, and may we find favor with His answers.

You see, my grandfather wouldn't enjoy living today. Too many rules, junk products, lack of integrity, and the list goes on. It would be a world foreign to him, because it is foreign based. But God is still alive, and here for us. Can we thank Him for never leaving us? And ask Him to forgive us for leaving Him?

What do the ads in your magazines tell others about us? Let your life tell others about Jesus.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

life's a beach-then you wash up on one

Anybody who knows me knows I don't do water well. When others swim or float, I flail and sink. Body surf, I body sink. Tread water, I pedal to the bottom. And when faced with an audience of children, only make things worse.

In 1975 I visited my friend Brennan in Santa Monica, from NJ. We decided to go to a nude beach, near Zuma, for the obvious reasons. After surveying the territory, you begin to understand why God made clothes-some people's bodies need to be covered more than others. But also noticing the amount of girls there alone, I decided to make my move. I would show off what a great body surfer I was. Catching a few waves, I was the Big Kahuna-at least in my own mind, while Brennan sat on a towel making semi-nude conversation. Then the big one hit, and I don't remember much, or how much ocean I swallowed, but remember landing on shore, wrapped in seaweed, and puking my guts out. For about a half hour, with Brennan somewhere between concerned for me, but more concerned I had ruined his chance with the girls. He didn't even have ask, "do you have a girlfriend for my friend," it seems nothing is less appealing to a California girl than a pasty white, Jersey boy puking up saltwater, while wrapped in seaweed-naked. Next time I'll change my opening line. And what I can't understand is I had even waited 45 minutes after eating before I went swimming!

We all know the story of Jonah and the whale. In my mind it was always like Pinocchio and Jiminy in the whale's stomach, with a light hanging, and benches to sit on. But Jonah describes it different, and for the three days and three nights he was in the belly, it must have been scary, to say the least. Did you ever wake up and not know where you are? Jonah did. The last thing he remembered was sinking to the bottom of the Mediterranean, wrapped in seaweed, and then waking up-not knowing where he was-or even if he was alive.

He had disobeyed God, and didn't realize how God had sent a whale to swallow him and save his life. He was in a very dark place, probably very hot, a whale's body temperature is about a hundred degrees, it had to stink, and the stomach juices would be eating at his skin. It is possible he thought he was dead and in hell. And after three days, he repents and turns again to God, who was with him all the time. Not mad, but wanting Jonah to repent. And then He has the whale spit him up onto dry land-perhaps the world's longest vomit/loogee, as Nineveh was 375 miles from the sea.

It has been recorded that men have lived after being swallowed by whales. One ship's log recorded how the man had no problem breathing, but had passed out from fear. Ever been so scared you fainted? Or so bummed all you wanted to do was sleep? And when he was cut out of the whale's stomach, he was white-even his eyebrows and hair had been burned off from the digestive juices. Just an idea of what Jonah looked like when he escaped.

It is never a good idea to run from God. How do you escape someone who is omni-present? But God sticks with us, and wants us to return to Him, that is why He sent Jesus to die for our sins. You may not be in the belly of a whale, or wrapped in seaweed on a nude beach, but in every situation you need Jesus.

I didn't care where my next breath came from, I only wanted it to come. And God supplies them. And not only saved my life that day, and taught me a thing or two about body surfing, but a week later saved my soul-I came that close to dying and going to hell. Don't make the same mistake! Trust God now.

And as for beach baptisms, I watch from shore, with my clothes on. Just can't trust seaweed, I guess. But I can trust God! And when the ocean waves-I just wave back. Safe and saved.

To go riding.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

Jim and Jesus-they were both really there

What a difference a generation makes. On Sunday, we went over to the Tour de Wangers, an annual car show put on by Jim Wangers, the Godfather of the GTO. In his mid 80's, he still gets around pretty good, and is a link to the past, he really was there, and is a treasure trove of history and anecdotes.

Jim was in advertising in the sixties when GM was the largest corporation in the world. Chevy alone sold over 2.5 million cars annually, about what GM does now in total, and they had over 50% of the market. They used to complain "they were losing one of every two car sales." And the US government talked of breaking them up due to anti-trust laws. Jim got tied in with a rising young GM exec, John De Lorean, who was making his mark at Pontiac. Together they took the muscle car market into new territory, putting a big engine in a smaller, lighter body. Not a new concept, but never done to this degree, and never marketed so well. And within a model year, all GM divisions, Ford, and Chrysler all had big engines in lighter cars, and the Muscle Car race was on. And Jim Wangers was right in the middle of it, he became its heart and soul for Pontiac.

We got to see many GTO's from 64-70, representing what any red, white, and blue young man wanted when young. Judges, a special model based on a Laugh In joke, "here's comes da judge," painted in bright colors, and with all the high performance goodies. There were Firebirds there too, one like Cathy's 1967 convertible. A four speed, red-of course, with the 400 engine, and slicker than snot. And fast. Had the hood mounted tach. And when she banged it into second, would have to find some nice guy to get under the car and dislodge the shift linkage that had gotten stuck. It idled rough, got terrible gas mileage, and leaked in the rain. But from 0-60, put a smile on your face every time. Unless you were running against her.

These were the cars of Jim Wangers, and his advertising genius. GTO tigers were sold in anything from perfume to Thom McAn shoes. A marketing blitz all based on one model of car, one that broke with GM corporate dictum of the day, and helped propel both Jim and John to legendary status. And just as sought after today as they were 45 years ago.

You see when you turned the key, it fired off the starter, not a computer. When you gave it gas, the venturis opened on the carbs, not activate the fuel injectors. You had to replace and adjust points, not download a new tune to the ECM. You actually had to drive the car, instead of point and steer. No ABS, ESP, cruise, or any electronic enhancements. Just man and machine, and maybe that is why we get emotional about them today. We could relate to them.

A few years back BMW came out and was proud of the fact that you could recycle most of their car. So much for collectability, and so much for emotions. The ultimate driving machine, their words, not mine, has become an electronic showcase, and when new technology comes out, will make the new one more efficient to drive, but not necessarily more fun. Put it in D, and the computer learns your driving habits, and shifts accordingly. Traction control prevents burnouts-remember the fun of smoking the tires? And impressing your friends? Technology rules the day, and progress quite probably, a good thing, has gone on for too long. Fortunately men like Jim Wangers, and others who made the history are still around. But what happens when that generation dies, and the scholars rewrite history? I hear stories today of how things were in the 70's, and it doesn't match my recollection, and I was there! Anything to sell a book, or to get across your agenda, and any tweaking of facts to fit the occasion has become OK. And we are the worse, not better for it. Grace Slick sang 45 years ago in "Somebody to Love," "when the truth is found, to be a lie...and all the joy within you dies...don't you want somebody to love?"

And the answer is we do. Not something, as Jim's advertising led us to believe, but a somebody. Someone who will listen to our problems, answer our questions, and tell us the truth. In love. And that someone is only found in Jesus Christ. He had no ad campaign, and only used 12, then 11 itinerant and untrained ambassadors to spread the gospel. But the funny thing about truth, is it sustains itself, and long after lies have tried to replace it, the truth stands. Many doubted Jesus to be God then,and the cults do now. But the truth of his existence, and his resurrection, and his changing of lives still continues today. In fact, more than ever. Just as He promised. And the question of the day is, are you part of the promise, and the promised today? Have you found the peace, love, joy, and security only Jesus can offer? Do you recognize his deity?

Or are you into the latest i-pod god, who promises you to have access to more music, more Face book, and along with it more stress, and charges you for it-monthly? Are you seeking love in something, when really it is found in someone? We all need someone to love. And He loved us first-can you beat that?

Jim Wangers will always be the Godfather of the GTO, and rightly so. He was there at the beginning, was part of the action, and knew the players personally. He was a player. History still records it, and he confirms it. Just like Jesus. He was there at the beginning, was the integral part of the action, knew the players and was the main one. History records it, archaeology proves it, and His spirit confirms it today. And even His titles, prove who He is-not was.

Just a car-don't say that to Jim and his followers. Just a man/rabbi/teacher-that won't fly in the face of truth. Jesus is who he said he was-the Son of God.

Thanks for the memories, Jim, of a time and a car, and people. It is sad you outlived your creation. But thanks be unto Jesus for a future and a hope. He too will outlive His creation, but the choice is yours. Apply now, the future is sooner than you remember.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

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new, old friends

Four score and fifteen years ago, Milo Gilbert was born in North Dakota. And after a long life, and rather full one, he died two weeks ago. Never heard of him? Well, up until last month, I never had either. But through his daughter Teri, I went to visit him in the hospital. He was blind, and I was told hard of hearing-note, I think some old people just get more selective to who and what they respond to, I know I do, and as he and I talked and listened, we communicated just fine. Even told me he would take me up on the motorcycle ride I promised when he got better. The doctors had advised him at 95 years old to have an operation to relieve fluid from the brain, the rest of him was in such good shape. How many 95 year olds are told to have surgery? And I got to meet him the day before the surgery. And as far as I know, I am the last friend that Milo ever made.

I almost didn't go to my new friend's funeral yesterday, but did, as a show of respect for Noella, his wife, and Teri. But a funny thing happened as I sat among the hundreds of people coming out to celebrate his life. I realized I had come to celebrate my friend, and no matter we only met once, and only a short time before his death, we were still friends. And this was more than a celebration of life, it was one of relationships-from his wife, to his children, to his grand children and all the way to his great grand child, each had a relationship with Milo, and the preciousness of each relationship was shown in words yesterday.

I sat with Jessica, who mentioned to me that she thought they were going to do a PowerPoint presentation of his life. But I told her that this wasn't a PowerPoint crowd, not realizing my words at the time. For these emotions and memories went much deeper than a picture. A picture can be worth a thousand words, but a memory-well, sometimes there aren't words, and the best are stored in the heart, where no PowerPoint can invade them.

And as I sat listening to the memories of my new, old friend, I thought of another man, and the last friend he ever made. Some 100 score years ago, Jesus hung on a cross between two thieves. One was soon to die alone, but the other called out, "Save me!" And Jesus promised him that He would see him in paradise that day. The last friend that either man would make on earth, but who would be spending eternity with each other. A relationship of quality, and of a depth no PowerPoint can or ever will fully demonstrate. An eternal friendship, that's what Jesus calls it, for He calls us friends. And I find as I get older, you can never have too many friends, but you can never have one more loving and important than Jesus.

Milo waited 95 years to meet me, I only had to wait for 56. Don't put off getting to know Jesus today. And you will find, that although He died almost 2000 years ago, He is very much alive, and well, and still hangs out with His friends. And will for eternity. Don't miss the chance to spend it with Him. As friends.

He leaves the choice up to you. We may have missed His death, don't miss His resurrection. Milo didn't, and that gives us a few years in eternity to swap stories, and get to know each other. And hang with our other friends, and of course our best friend, Jesus.

Like Milo, I met Him as a stranger, He took us in, and calls us friends. I can't think of a nicer way to say goodbye to my new friend Milo, or a better thing to have in common with him. Our common bond-Jesus Christ. Make Him your friend today. Tell 'em Milo sent you.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

two minute warning

Waking up in Lexington, Ky that Monday morning, I had an easy 700 mile day ahead of me. I had left Escondido on Friday night, and ridden straight through, on my way to my parent's house in Scotch Plains. The weather had been from dry and 120 degrees, to mostly rain, and cold. Interesting for a mid-August ride. I had gotten into the routine of putting on the Frog Toggs, then peeling them off when the sun came out-along with the heat, so I figured one more day was no big deal. And as I hit the West Virginia state line, I did-amazing how beautiful and bright the sun can be when you are cold and wet! But the worst was yet to come.

I had chosen a route that would take me through the Cumberland Gap in Maryland. I had ridden it years ago before the freeway was complete, but decided to stay on the freeway this time, to make time-I would eventually reach NJ in under 70 hours-coast to coast that is! But it got cold and dark going up the pass over the Gap, so as I struggled to put on the Toggs-hopefully one last time, the wind blew as I entered into the fog. And then it stopped. And the lights went out. And I got soaked. I have been in total white outs when in Colorado blizzards, except in a car I at least had my windshield to protect me, and as a point of reference. Not so today, and this was total. I couldn't even see my hands some eight inches away, and the last thing I remember was a semi-to my right at about 2 o'clock, and both of us slowing down. Then I lost him in the fog, and almost panicked-fortunately I didn't. Turning on my flashers-which I couldn't see, I slowed from 70 to about 45 mph, hoping that I wouldn't run into anyone, or that anyone wouldn't run into me. For an eternity, really about two minutes, I crept along-praying-and then the fog broke, and the sun was blinding. And the truck was exactly at 2 o'clock where I had last seen it, a few cars at the same speed ahead, but a safe distance, and no one behind me that I could see-the fog was still thick behind me. God had taken us all through the fog safely! And I rejoiced, and sped off into the light-even forgetting how cold and wet I was. Couldn't make out the face in the truck, it was still too foggy, but I am sure he was glad to see me, as I was to see him make it out OK.

Give me rain anytime rather than fog. Actually, give me sun and warm. And I have only had one other time where it was so bad, but not as bad as that afternoon. I reminded myself that on the other side of the clouds it was sunny, but was totally oblivious as to what was on the ground, in front, back, or sides of me-except my travelling companion in the semi.

But God knew, and when I called to Him, He heard and guided me. Like some sin, I was exposed to no one except to Him, and He guided me. But some sin is obvious, and He loves us anyway. He sees things, like the heart of men, like we can't. We only see the external, like I did that foggy afternoon. But God saw the road ahead, and behind, from above. A much better perspective, and a better way to be led. We can't see ahead sometimes, and make rash and inaccurate judgments, but God is patient and merciful-as He proved that day. And so many others.

Some live their lives in a fog-spiritually and physically, when they don't have to. In all things, God promises a better way if you let Him, and shows you the way through any situation. He will keep you safe, and lead you away from danger-on better roads, and introduce you to people you never would have met, if you hadn't trusted Him.

Your fog may one today of indecision-finances, job, foreclosure, health, or even relationally. You can't see a way out-in fact you can't see at all! But God sees all, and never leaves you alone, not spying, but watching as a loving father, and road captain would. He wants us all to come to safety-repentance in Him. He desires you to follow Him, but doesn't force you to, it is your decision.

That day and many others I let Him guide, and somehow the rides are always better. Even riding alone, like that day, I am still not abandoned, He is there. Trust God, before you do any weather man. They can't even look out the window and get it right, He who causes the weather always does. So let Him. As I rode through the valley of the pass of the shadow of death, I feared no evil-just the guiding force of my Lord Jesus. Don't wait for the fog to call out to Him, He is just as much there on nice days too.

Two minutes out of 70 hours that I will always remember. 120 seconds that made the trip. Even the animals stayed off the road, truly He is in control. Riding by faith, not by sight. Trusting the invisible to guide us into the unforeseeable. That produces works that aren't dead. Only Jesus.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

when you come to a Southfork in the road, take it

Did you know that you can think while sleeping? They are called dreams, and when I first started a family I used to have this great one. Remember the TV show Dallas? Bobby Ewing was the good brother, and my dream was I would pass him stuck on a highway when on my Coke route. I would give him a ride, and he would offer me some money in return for my kindness, which I would never accept. Then the next day a brand new motorcycle would show up at my work, and a man asking me to sign the papers-it was a gift from my new friend Bobby, a thank you if you will. Note-the bike in my dream at the time was a Suzuki GS1100, the gold one from the early 80's. Unobtainable to me at the time. And as in all good dreams, my boss gave me the day off to ride, just happened to have my gloves and helmet with me, and my wife understood when I got home after 9 pm with 300 miles on my new ride. And my call to Bobby the next day showed we had appreciation for each other, I had met his need, and he had met my dream. Don't you just love happy endings?

And dreams do come true, as we have surprised both my sons with motorcycles for Christmas, even more fun when not expected. And recently, my friend Stu was surprised with the gift of a Gold Wing from our friend Dan. We had visited him many times in the hospital, he finally died from long term cancer. He loved Jesus and loved to ride. He would tell us he was enjoying riding through us, as we would share stories. And it was a complete surprise when Dan left Stu his bike. What a blessing! But although Dan left him the bike, it soon needed tires, and Stu was out of work. Praying, God put on my heart to buy him a set, remember Acts 2 how the church when it had a need told the members, and they met it? No different than when our friends have met needs like food, furniture, baby clothes, or places to live. Tires were a need, and God blessed us by helping a brother. But yet some murmuring has come my way-"if someone is so nice as to give him a free bike, he should at least be able to buy the tires." Thanks for your love, brother. And I have seen some lend money in these situations, when God says don't. You see, the tires were a gift, and if I had fronted them, or loaned him money, it would have put pressure on him even more financially, and become a burden to our relationship-at least until the money was paid back. So God advises to give, hilariously, which we did, and we were all blessed.

That is why in my dreams I am always glad it was Bobby and not JR Ewing who I rescued. JR would have sent the bike, but with a price tag I could never pay. Just like being in debt to the Godfather, a deal I couldn't refuse, but wished I had. Exacting a price I could never pay. No one ever told the Don no! Or JR for that matter.

That is why salvation is free, a gift. You could never afford the price Jesus paid. So He wants us to repay Him through kindnesses to others. Says so right there in Matthew 25. Feed the hungry, and give water to those thirsty. Take in a stranger. Clothe and shelter those who are naked and hurting. Be a friend. Visit those sick, and those in jail. Do it joyfully, and showing His love, and the blessings flow both ways. Give to those who could never repay, like the example Jesus set for us, and then you cannot expect anything in return. Remember, your bank will loan you money, but it gets it back, with interest. True love gives, not looking for any return, but never returns void.

So keep dreaming. As I have gotten older, my dreams seem to get more expensive. But now have taken a turn, as now I want to bless others, instead of asking, I am giving. And find that my dreams come true. "For whoever does these things to the least of these, does them to me," says Jesus. Blessing others in the name of Jesus. Giving and receiving, just like in my dreams. And better yet in the Bible.

May your reality far exceed your dreams, and may you give out more than you take in. Whether it be tires, food, clothes, or a visit-God knows and is keeping notes on you. The reward is in heaven-where it won't be temporal like down here. It's true you can't take it with you, but you can send it ahead.

Richer or poorer, you always receive more from God than you have given. And may the Bobbies of your life far outnumber the JR's! And of course, as reality would dictate, I once gave directions to JR/Larry Hagman, when he was lost and late, and still no motorcycle from him! Be like Bobby!

love with compassion,

Mike

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