Today marked the 9-year anniversary of my motorcycle accident. I'd almost forgot, until Ansley reminded me yesterday that it would be. Interestingly, she was delivering a speech in one of her college classes on motorcycle safety today, which I had helped her research over the weekend, when she suddenly realized, "Hey Dad, I'll be making this speech exactly 9 years to the day after your accident!" It seemed so many years ago now, as I recounted the events of that day for her speech.
I had taken today off, due to a busy weekend of visiting hospitals & funeral homes as the weekend on-call pastor. After finishing some morning yardwork, I hopped on the bike and took off for an afternoon of riding. I can think of no better way to commemorate that fateful day 9 years ago, than a good ride on a beautiful day.
I headed southeast toward Bethlehem, then through Statham, then down to Watkinsville. I stopped in at NPR Ducati, gawking at the cool Italian bikes on display. One day, I hope to own a 2nd bike, a Ducati Monster 620 or 695. Lord willing, of course...
It was a peaceful, relaxing ride through the country, down roads largely deserted. I rode and prayed, as I often do, about anything and anyone God brings to my mind. I also spent time reflecting on the accident, 9 years ago today. An inattentive motorist had jumped out into traffic, trying to get across to the opposite lanes, and instead jumped into my path. I'd had precious little time to react, gripping down on both brakes in an effort to reduce as much speed as possible, all in a split second. I'd hit him at his left front headlight, flipped over his hood, and landed about 10 feet beyond, in oncoming traffic. Thankfully, cars stopped fast, and many came to my aid. I suffered a compound fracture of my left femur, a shattered kneecap, bruised wrist and shoulder, and numerous cuts and scrapes. I endured 4 surgeries over 18 months, and 3 months of physical therapy to learn how to walk again.
I had always feared two things from the accident- first, that I would never be able to run and exercise again to the extent I was used to, and second, that I might never ride again. But God is faithful, and He allowed me to recover fully, and I've since been more active than before, and of course, I'm riding again, logging about 10K miles a year on the big Yamaha.
As I rode today, I reflected on these things, and how good God is. That accident not only made me a much safer rider, it also has opened so many doors to identify with and minister to people who suffer physically, esp. folks involved in accidents. God has truly turned my scars into stars, as an old preacher used to say. And I have my share of scars!
I love to ride motorcycles. I love the openness of it, being right out in the elements; I love the feel of a powerful machine under me, under my total control, blasting down the road; I love the wind in my face, the sun on the back of my neck, the sights, the smells, the sounds, the feeling of temperature changes up and down hills, the freedom. But most of all, I love the solitude, and the communion with my Father out on the road. I am thankful He gave me back my health, and thankful for this motorcycle He gave me, to enjoy riding, to enjoy Him, and to share His love with others I meet out there.
I am truly blessed.
"We know that God causes all things to work together for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28

Its funny how we so often work so hard to arrange for our own happiness. And funny how often life happens, and disrupts our "best laid plans of man."
I had planned out my Saturday perfectly- Ansley & Kelsey both had responsibilities all day, so I planned to get up around 9:30am, eat breakfast, then join Lisa in some fun yardwork with flower planting, opening our flower garden fountain, etc. After lunch, I planned to take a good, long solo motorcycle ride, be back for dinner, then settle down to make my final prep for Sunday morning kid's church.
That was my plan- and it didn't take long before it was disrupted. Kelsey had been run off the road in her car by a "hit & run" truck a couple of days before, and along with car body damage, she had blown a tire. After getting a spare on it, yesterday she used Lisa's car to visit a friend, and promptly took a nail puncture in one of those tires! So my Saturday afternoon would be spent at a tire store, replacing two tires for two cars. Not what I had planned...
I was down in the dumps, thinking a perfect day was lost. My plans were ruined. Fortunately, God got my attention. He reminded me that my attempts to arrange for my own happiness was not the point. My life was in His hands, and He would provide for all my needs.
As it turns out, the tires were both fixed quickly and without a huge cost, as they were still under warranty on both cars. I ended up returning home by 5pm, and Lisa said, "Hey, its been a trying day. Go take a ride." So I took off, and had a wonderful, beautiful, relaxing ride as the sun slowly began to set. I rode to Good Hope and back, just letting the road and wind and scenery untangle my mind.
On a back road, by a postcard perfect scene overlooking a sun setting behind a farm on rolling hills, I looked up, and saw a break in the gathering clouds. The hole in the cloud took the shape of a heart, and God spoke into mine- "Just a little reminder of My love for you." I replied, "Thank you Father, I love you too." He had reminded me not only of His love, but also that life's purpose and pleasures were in His hands. I so easily complain about what I don't have, or what doesn't go according to my plans, then I realize I have been blessed with so very much, and I would not have had my life turn out any other way. I among men, am most blessed, more than I deserve.

Some thoughts I pondered as I prepare for Easter-
After reading the 1 Corinthians 15:12-34 passage, I got thinking, "What if Jesus had not raised from the dead? Would there even be a Christianity?" As I thought about it, I believe there would be a Christian religion, but it would be no different than any other religion- a system of rules, rituals, and traditions adhering to the teachings of a dead prophet or teacher. Jesus would not rank any higher than Mohammed, Buddha, Krishna, Joseph Smith, etc. A dead religion, of a dead teacher, followed by people still "dead in their trespasses and sins." Who would want to be a part of that?? I certainly would not- no more than I would want to become a Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Mormon, or any other binding, shackling religious system.
Paul said it best- "If Christ has not been raised, then your faith is useless and you are still guilty in your sins." v.17
But I'm thankful I do not follow the dead teachings of a dead prophet of a dead religion! Jesus Christ IS God, He WAS raised from the dead, and He IS alive, now and forevermore. And because He lives, I know I will live, and I have His life in me right here and now. That's worth proclaiming. The world needs to know.
Christianity at its core is not a religion- it is a relationship with the living God, through His living Son. I'm thankful to know Him, and I'll follow Him in this life and for eternity!

Happy Resurrection Day.

I had my 2nd round of steroid injections in my neck a few days ago. I knew what to expect more this time, so it didn't seem so bad. The thing that drives me crazy is the fact that I'm not supposed to do any exercise whatsoever for at least a month, while my disks and nerves heal. I've been abiding by the doctor's orders, but just sitting around and resting when I'm used to plenty of exercise is maddening. I need to be careful what I eat, and how much, so I won't gain weight. I'm not able to burn it off like I'm used to.
I'm off today and tomorrow, the weather is unusually cold, and I'm stuck inside. I can either sit around and snack, which I don't want to do, or I can redeem the time, spend it catching up on some good reading and some much-needed time with God. I'm reading "In a Pit with a Lion On a Snowy Day" by Mark Batterson. I'm in a chapter on seeing obstacles as opportunities, and its reminding me of how adversity provides opportunity for greater intimacy with Christ, and greater ministry in His name. I hope to feed my soul in these times I'm recovering, rather than get lazy. But I do look forward to being able to get active again, soon!
"All things work together for good to those who love God, and are called according to His purposes."