One of my favourite spacious places is out on my motorbike, when the stress of the working week weighs heavy, I don my leathers and ride my ‘prayer bike’, so-called because firstly I pray I don’t fall off, and secondly I pray as I ride through the changing countryside and seasons. A heart of gratitude is easy amongst such scenery and cruising the open roads with my wide handlebars - I feel like I’m flying! Wearing a helmet leaves you alone with just your thoughts, I remember as a teenager it was hell in my helmet as I had no peace of mind, but today God brings a peace, which surpasses understanding.
I always stay focused on the road and surrounding dangers, I am well aware of the vulnerability of being on a motorbike, maybe this adds to the closeness I feel to my maker, yet I still have the ability and desire to sing as I ride along, often not realising I’m tapping my feet on the highway boards as I worship.
God promises “So if the son sets you free you will be free indeed’ John 8:36 [NIV] and for me, being out amongst the sights, sounds, smells and sensations of the open road brings a great sense of freedom. I love the slogan ‘Only a biker knows why a dog sticks his head out the car window’, but of course we all have our own personal pastimes and passions which bring us that sense of oneness with creation.
As in life, some journeys are made with companions, others are travelled alone. These days I confess to being a fair-weather “wuss”, I would not choose to go out in bad weather, however I do get caught in the rain, darkness and storms. I remember one recent scary outing when I prayed my way home down the torrential river that was the M25 in the pitch black. As I wrote yesterday, if we are going to learn to walk with God in the daylight or the good times, we must first learn to trust Him in times of darkness and times of pressure.
The Hebrew word Ravach means to be wide, spacious, breathe easily. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to live in that place rather than just visit it, that’s something we can all grow towards. If you feel a long way from that spacious place, take heart sometimes it’s ok if the only thing you do today is breath, as a day well lived does not have to include anything more than celebrating this divine world through simple breathing.
Here is the theme song and titles from the TV series Happy Days (1 min)
Dawn Milward
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