On The Road Again

(Willie Nelson, in case you were wondering.)
Well, spring time does that to me. I try to find that song and crank it up on the car stereo. And hum it while on the motorcycle. Just the chorus really, I’m not even sure what the rest of the song says. But this time of year, as the ice disappears and the air warms and the sun shines from a higher angle (all important factors in riding joy) I get the urge to be on the road, on the motorcycle. And that chorus just echoes the urge; "I just can't wait to get on the road again."
So in spite of the glacier still on Mille Lacs, I have the bike on the road. It is a 1979 Honda GL 1000, Gold Wing. Before the pharing and bags came standard. I tool the windshield and pharing off last spring because of electrical problems. So it's a chilly ride. Why I am out there already? I love to ride. Period. Not far, mind you. I prefer air conditioning and cruise control and comfy seats for long distances. But there is something about the total presence of the road on a motorcycle.
It echoes to me of Jesus’ call to those who follow him to be in the moment, to live each day as it is, without worry for tomorrow:
"Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Let the day's own trouble be sufficient for the day. Matthew 6:34
On a motorcycle you need to be very much “in the moment,” especially in spring before the potholes get patched. On a motorcycle the fresh spring bugs are very present (maybe I should replace the windshield), the low spots in the valley keep their coolness evident, and the flocks of migrating birds need to be “ducked.”
But the joy in the midst of the challenges is worth the challenges.
The feel of the road, the presence of the beauty, the liveliness of the smells, the camaraderie of the other riders (“We Always Wave” is kind of a “core value”). It’s all so very good.
Just like the journey of faith.
Lots of people in lots of circumstances ask me, as a Pastor, “How do you put up with ________?” (You can fill in the blank; just about anything you choose, I’ve probably answered.) There are challenges.
The only answer is the joy. Jesus and the Spirit grant a deep well of peace, Shalom, wholeness; a reminder that God is good all the time. I live in that promise, so that’s why…
I’m on the journey with you,
Pastor Chris