Sharing The Ride

Well I knew it would be a matter of time but I wasn't expecting to be doing things this quickly with my kids. I began to suggest that the kids could start saving up for a dirt bike on their own. I had looked online at several bikes and figured that this would take them a year to really earn enough money to buy a dirt bike.

Don't underestimate the power of finding a good deal on Craig's List. When I was looking to get an idea of a price range, I saw a Yamaha PW 80 for sale. (the picture is an example not the actual bike) It was priced pretty inexpensive and it was in the Lincoln area. Being the curious guy that I was, I went out to take a look at this motorbike. After checking it out, I began to ask questions to see if the seller would be willing to compromise. Indeed he was. As a matter of fact, he was willing to take $200 off the price. Well I told him that I needed to discuss it with my wife but I would get back with him.

Now, I know what you are thinking!!! What about getting the kids to save the money. Well, there is a little unknown detail of this story that is worth mentioning. When I did the memorial service for my wife's great aunt, she had asked for me to receive an honorarium for doing it. (I would have done it for free) But now, I had all but $100 for the money sitting in an envelope in my dresser. I had planned on using that money for some other things related to my motorcycle. But, I reasoned that this was one way to use the money that most everybody could enjoy it. So, I told the kids that their Great Great Aunt had provided the means for them to have a dirt bike so that they could enjoy it. I also mentioned that they would have to save up $100 to pay back the money we used from the entertainment budget.

This gets me to the point about our spiritual lives. We must not seek our joy alone but we should find joy in seeing others beneft. Think of this well known passage in the book of Philippians. 1:21-25 "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. but if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which to choose. But I am hard-pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better; yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sake. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy in the faith."

Paul understands that he is there for the Philippian Church's progress and joy in Christ. There is no direct benefit for Paul, in the sense that he is continuing on in life under Roman imprisonment. However, this will help the Philippains through their ministry to him, with him, and from him. It is because of their increasing joy in Christ, that Paul can actually rejoice. Finding fellow Christians increasing joy in Christ, as a source of your joy is a true testimony to thinking about heavenly things.

Were my kids excited when they got the dirt bike? Yes

Did they have fun learning to ride it? Yes

However, my desire is to not only share the joy of riding a motorcycle but to share the joy of walking with Jesus Christ!