If you ride motorcycles in the tropics, you know that you are going to get wet. Tropics and rain go with each other. Even in the dry season, it rains. While there are times that one can anticipate the storms, I still find myself getting caught out. When one does, hopefully one has raingear nearby. Otherwise, it is wait and ride later, or find the nearest overpass with a dry spot underneath where you can sit, watch, and wait.
Given the cost of cars in Singapore (think astronomical!), motorcycles are considered a viable option for men and women of every age. You can see young kids as well as old uncles and aunties on the move. While the threat of rain thins out the number of riders on the road, there is still a large contingent even in a downpour.
In this context, I find conversations with potential new riders interesting.
“Have you thought about what you are going to do in the rain?”
“Yes, I am not worried. I have a good sense when it is going to rain.”
“Really? How?”
“I can feel it (lots of variations on this answer, most revolve around a feeling).”
“Hmmm, what if you get caught out?”
“Not to worry. I doubt I will ever get caught in the rain.”
In moments like these, I catch myself smiling and saying nothing. In contrast, there are a few that take a different view.”
“Yes, I have thought about the rain. I think it is a price you need to pay on occasion for saving so much money. What do you do?”
“Put on my raingear or get wet.”
“My thoughts exactly. It’s time to ride!”
I do not know if he will ever ride. As I listen to him talk, Life whispers that people recognizing the positive in the context of the negative create possibilities. When they are struggling yet turn and say, “I’ll tell the world how great and good you [God] are, I’ll shout Hallelujah all day, every day,” (Psalm 35.28), I know hope and possibilities are alive.
