“We have met somewhere before I think. I remember you.”
“Really? You could be right. My apologies, I do not remember.”
“Have you been on any of the Harley rides?”
“Just a charity ride, nothing else.”
“Hmm, I missed the last charity ride. Are you sure? Have you ever been on a ride with a lot of Harleys?”
“Well, I did join the ride out to the new Handle Bar when it opened. There were a lot of Harleys on that ride.”
“I knew it! I led that ride. I remember you now.”
I did too. He was the leader that had taken me under his wing. Even though it wasn’t a formal ride, he had taken the time to explain the way the ride would unfold. He has helpful suggestions on how I could fit it. As I listened, I knew I was welcome in this community. As someone who loves Harley, it was time to ride.
There were forty or so bikes on that ride. It would have been easy for at least one or two to get left behind. As we went through traffic lights, slow downs, and cars determined to be inconsiderate, I was sure that we were going to get separated. The ebbs and flow, leaders and people filling in on the point, came together in uncertainty and the unexpected. At no point was I ever left behind or uncertain of what was next. It was an evening ride that is still fresh in my mind.
Harley Davidson is a family that you join with a Harley or love of the ride. It is as if they know and as a result you realize you are part of a family. David spoke of another family; “You are famous, God, for welcoming God-seekers, for decking us out in delight.” (Psalm 5.12) We belong. We are members. Sometimes I forget. There are moments when idea that it is real seems waiting for me to discover it. Whatever the situation is, the message remains. “We have met somewhere before I think. I remember you.”
