It was a beautiful day, yesterday.
Kevin had the afternoon off, so we went for a drive and stopped at a favorite 50’s-style burger joint, a la “Happy Days.” While we were sitting in the car, waiting for our order, I noticed a man standing next to his Fat Boy Harley. It was decked out, with two big “saddle bags,” one on each side, and a big travel box mounted directly behind the seat.
The man had apparently finished his meal and was readying himself for what, by all appearances, would be a long stretch on the road. He took great care in strapping on his half-chaps, then pulled on his big leather jacket, snapping it all the way up. Very methodically, he pulled on leather gloves, adjusting them just so to insure a comfortable fit. And finally, his helmet was strapped on with a flourish. He hoisted himself onto that big machine and road off.
I thought about him, as I watched his ever-smaller figure disappear down the road. He was obviously a seasoned road warrior, knowing what protection he would need to keep himself safe against the harsh elements.
You know who else is a seasoned road warrior?
You.
Me.
We’ve been traveling life’s road for a while now, haven’t we? And you know what else? It’s HARSH out there. If we aren’t suiting up everyday for the journey, we shouldn’t be the least bit surprised when we are slapped silly by the raging wind, burned clean through by the glaring sun, battered and broken when pot holes cause us to stumble and fly off into a ditch. And beyond for what we can even plan, there are the dangers of the unseen which are every bit as real.
Yeah…before we head out today, let’s suit up. There’s an armor available to us that may not look as sassy as a pair of half-chaps, but I’m here to tell you, it’s a heck of a lot stronger.
“A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.
Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” Ephesians 6:10-17 NLT