Me and my Harley

I am officially a fan of Harley Davidson Motorcyles!

Last night, I went to hear a speaker share how he came to understand the Gospel, leaving behind a life of violence and substance abuse for real life in Christ. He strutted in with 120 tattoos showing through his tank top and leather vest, a hard Massachusetts accent, a crazy life story, and a love for Jesus that shone through it all.

Here's what I saw last night that I love about the gospel:

1- It always embraces the unexpected. At this time of year, consider the Christmas story: Could our Savior really come to earth in the most vulnerable way, as a baby, to re-claim His world and establish His Kingdom? Certainly His humble beginnings on earth were completely unexpected. And here in front of me last night was a man whose physical appearance makes him, quite honestly, an unexpected Christian. Now that's a whole other topic as a mistake of the Church, but anyhow, he comes in an unexpected way. But isn't our faith itself such a mystery? I'm not sure I can describe it in one word any better. What a mystery that he chooses us, loves us, and catches us up into His great story! It's altogether rather unexpected, isn't it? And that speaks to my sense of adventure. I eagerly "expect the unexpected", looking forward to what is ahead on this great adventure and journey of faith.

2- God is so good to give us such diversity in our family! Oh how I love meeting new people and seeing how God has uniquely wired them to be a part of His Kingdom work. We all have different gifts, abilities, and makeup, and it simply fascinates me how our God weaves it all together into a beautiful story of His grace.

SO...the unexpected and the diversity of Al Paquette caught me up in the worship of our God! And, you're thinking, how does this ever tie into Harley Davidsons? Yes, he drove in on a *sweet* looking motorcycle with several other friends. My eyes were wide as I glanced over the bikes, introduced myself, and asked for a ride!

Well, yes, he obliged and we started to get ready. I mentioned slightly how I might get cold (though not for a second a deterrant!), and his wife offered me her leather jacket. Oh yeah. Picture me getting on the back of a Harley Davidson Ultra Classic, the cadillac of all motorcycles, with my black helmet, riding sunglasses, and leather jacket. I looked hot.

We really only rode around for a few minutes, but it was a dream, let me tell you. Al's favorite part about riding is the experience of seeing and smelling everything around you. I quite agree. It was exhilarating!

So...a Harley has now been added to my Christmas list. Okay, maybe that's a little extreme. But it did make another list. Do you have a list of things to do before you die? My Mom encouraged me to do this when I was young, and I've already been able to cross off a few accomplished items. But now I've got a new one: road trip to the mountains on a motorcycle! Can you imagine?! Me and my Harley....