The ride out to the biker bar was going well. Traffic was light in most places. The unusual route had helped us avoid the usual traffic jams. As our speed flowed with the traffic, each traffic light became a conversation vignette. How had things changed in this part of town? Were we through the congested part of the route? Was I comfortable riding?
The last question caught me off-guard. Was I comfortable?
The clarification came in a broader observation. “I know you started riding a couple of years ago. Do you ride enough so that you are comfortable in the knowledge that you have gotten the hang of it?”
The question triggered the various proof points.
“Yes. I started the process by going back and taking a riding class from Honda. It spanned several days, filling in the gaps in my learning as a kid. That plus more than 10,000 miles since has brought me a certain level of comfort. Fear comes in certain situations, however I actively work to ride within my abilities and always try to stay alert. It is critical to be looking ahead, anticipating the possibilities.”
I realized this morning that my rider had never been a pillion with me. He had no idea what I had learned. He did not know the details of my experience. He knew me when I was not riding. This was a new period.
Often I presume my knowledge of the past applies to the present and future. The presumption is dangerous. It is as if spiritually I have assumed that we will always stay the same. I forget that the “the dead body that we bury in the ground and the resurrection body that comes from it will be dramatically different.” (1 Corinthians 15.38) I forget the full story.
Knowing the greater story makes a difference. A change program will bring something different. If we decide to reach for more, people, including ourselves, are touched. Stuff happens. Everything is not what it was.
We can make a difference. Knowing with belief can bring something new.
