Flat Tires With Friends
I have known my husband since we were twelve years old. I refuse to discuss how long that’s been, but sliced bread was available. Some of my first memories are his dark, windblown hair, framing a silly grin and twinkling blue eyes when he showed up in my driveway on any given evening. His only means of travel was miles of dusty, dirt road on his old motorcycle, but when that helmet came off he was happy, content and relaxed. Still today, the wind in his face restores his inner peace.
Keith loves motorsports. The fellowship and camaraderie of friends with his shared passion are an added delight. When these riding enthusiasts load and unload their machines they bench race (tell fish tales), debate the newest products and innovations and share stories they’ve heard and read from other riders. Most importantly, they set aside the worries and trials of life and spend time together doing what they love.
One fall weekend, Keith and several friends made a trip to a national forest where miles of trail are set aside for riding. These guys have a very tightly ordered protocol for participation. First and foremost, you take care of your stuff at home so no one’s fun is slowed by poorly working equipment. No molly coddling! If you quit or break down, you go to the truck and wait. The young guys ride to the front, and the old guys to the back. Traditionally it’s their way of looking out for the rookies, but everyone knows the seasoned riders just want to laugh at the mishaps of the young, while avoiding an audience to their own blunders. Typically, Keith rides last of the last.
On this particular day, Keith became “That Guy!” A few miles into the woods he felt the rear tire wobbles, indicating a flat. Oh, the agony of being the problem. The reality of fixing a flat tire in the middle of no where was next to zero. As he turned to limp his cycle back to the staging lot he began to feel very sorry for himself. The great outdoors that offered so much exhilaration, became sadly silent. It is a heavy quiet when you wonder how many miles separate you and the next nearest human. Keith reconciled himself to the hours alone, as he waited on his friends to return with stories of great adventure.
BUT!
Keith’s absence was noticed. He isn’t a quitter, in fact, he is a strong rider. One concerned friend came looking. Long before the motorcycle arrived Keith knew who it was because he knows the sound of his friends bikes like he knows their faces and voices. Then, another purr came racing back down the trail…..and another and another. In short order, boys and men were digging through their meager tools and fanny packs finding what they could to get Keith rolling again. They succeeded.
As everyone lined back up and headed out, Keith realized he is a priority to these friends, but he isn’t special, these men that turned around and came back are. Their character, not Keith’s, determined the outcome.
The rules of the road are clear, every man for himself, except when the friend in need is the most important thing. This kindness and friendship left an everlasting mark on Keith’s heart and mind and strengthens him still when life weighs him down.
People are the most important thing on earth. Jesus didn’t die for any other reason but for you and your neighbor……humans! For God SOOOOOOOOO loves the world, that He GAVE His only Son for our eternal life! (John 3:16 Gretchen’s version.)
Keep Your Face to the Son!
Gretchen
PSA: Always turn off your Go Pro when taking a potty break in the woods, and thanks guys for looking out for my guy!