Over the past several months, I’ve begun each day with a simple three-part prayer. I asked God to allow me surrender fully to Him just for this day; I ask for anything in me that isn’t good to be made clear to me and finally, I ask Him for someone to serve during the course of the day with no expectation of return.

Sunday of Memorial Day Weekend, we went to church as always, then I headed out for a little motorcycle ride before lunch. In November of 2014, I bought a small Harley Sportster 1200 custom with some money I inherited from my mom. I’m sure she’d be thrilled with my choice! I’m learning so much about being selfish and self-centered over the past year and a half, but my pride and joy, that sweet blue Harley never entered my mind.

Sunday morning about 11:30 when the bike and I were both down after having a car turn into me, the bike down in the road with parts and pieces scattered and me in the back of an ambulance waiting to be transported to the hospital, I began to have my eyes opened. I’m not speaking for anyone else in the world, this is just for me. I realized spending that much money for something only I would enjoy, knowing Gayle would never ride and then when I rode, it was just me usually going off for some personal enjoyment while others waited and wondered if this ride would be the one I don’t come home.

I couldn’t slice it any other way than this was not something I had ever thought about. Now it seemed like one of the most selfish choices of my life. At the hospital, Gayle said, this was my second most feared call. I said, what is your first, she said, someone other than you calling to tell me you’d been in a wreck. She also told me every time I went for a ride and came home, when she heard the rumble coming down the street, she felt some relief. Mind you, she never said anything to me but enjoy your ride and be careful.

Always liking life on the edge, I’ve really enjoyed having the bike. I’ve seen how quickly things can change. I know I could be killed any number of ways when my number is up. I also believe I’m indestructible until God is done with me. The issue isn’t the bike, it is how self-centered the entire choice and effects have been. I’ve come to see at the heart of most my life’s issues is selfishness and self-centeredness.

PS I fractured my left foot and am bruised and scrapped up pretty good but not bad considering!

Blessings,

Scott