Bye Bye Biker

Well it’s happened. I sold my motorcycle and rejoined the ranks of 4-wheeled transportation. It was a calculated transaction that’s time had come. And while I’m going to miss it, it’s okay. You see, while most bike owners have them as “toys” or something to ride occasionally, it was my sole source of transportation. We’ve been a 1 car / 1 bike family for 2 solid years, and while my wife enjoyed riding with me on a trip or two; her preference for leather seats, air-conditioning, tinted windows, sunroof and multi-disc CD player usually got her nod.

So, “Why the change?” you ask. Our family situation warranted it. My youngest daughter will start driving soon, and guess who’s the driving instructor? Yes, it’s my honor, but not on a motorcycle! And while the motorcycle brought me great joy, even in my daily commute to work, at this particular time in my life – a change is required. I would love to have kept the motorcycle, but my income doesn’t allow me to have toys of that caliber.

I’ve blogged before about change, but the willingness to change course when necessary is the point of my blog today. Not everyone is willing. Many are stubborn, or determined might be a kinder word, and refuse to change even when confronted with overwhelming data that makes it obvious a change is needed. Some folks go through life perpetually frustrated because they feel they just can’t get a break from circumstances in their lives, when actually a simple change of direction on their part might help things go their way. If I may, I’d like to share a few ideas that could help all of us make the changes we need to in life.

The first concept is the ability to see outside yourself. While it’s true that we never know what tomorrow will bring; through evaluation, we can estimate where our current course is taking us. Tunnel vision isn’t an asset and shouldn’t be confused with focus; it’s not the same. Be willing to draw back and take an unbiased look at what’s really going on in your situation.

Secondly, is feedback from friends, or as I stated in my last blog – counsel. I have stated in the past and firmly believe that we need one another, and the sooner we learn to help and receive help, the better off we’ll be. We can’t go through life without our actions affecting others; a person who is self-aware takes note of that. Do you bless others or does it seem people avoid you? Even without asking for a verbal opinion, how others respond to you is a clue as to how they view you. People are naturally drawn to others who are honest, fair, and have hope and purpose.

The Holy Spirit is whom I’d like to share with you lastly. It’s been my experience that when things get tough in my life, when I have to work really hard to make the simplest things happen, it’s usually the Spirit speaking to me that a course correction is needed. Conversely, when things are going well, blessings are coming my way and even difficult things are handled with ease; the Spirit confirms in my heart that I’m on track.

So what about you? Are you willing to change when it’s necessary? Do you always know when you need to? Do you listen to counsel from friends? Do you know the Holy Spirit, is He a part of your life? I’d love to hear from you about it. And I’ll be sure to let you know when it’s time to get my next motorcycle!


Peace……