Two words that don’t belong in the same sentence are “Tami” and “motorcycle”… 🙂  But, actually, I have been on a motorcycle twice in my life…yes, twice!  I’ve shocked you, I know!  The first time was when I was in high school.  A cute boy took me on a moonlit, night time ride out in the middle of nowhere..we went so fast I could feel the dirt particles hitting my cheeks (did I say “cute”, Mike?  I meant nerdy!) That was super exciting…maybe a little too exciting!!  The second time was when I was in college and my friend, Pete, took me on an amazing ride through the redwoods near Santa Cruz!  Kinda scared, I held on to him probably too tight, but I still remember how exhilarating it felt to go so fast…and I also remember the feeling of FREEDOM!  It’s a feeling that you don’t experience when you’re driving the same road in a sedan. 🙂

With that being said, it was a little strange that last night I dreamt I was on a road trip…on a MOTORCYCLE!!!  Me!  I know!!  In the dream, I was fully prepared with my phone’s GPS, water, and only the provisions I needed along the way stowed in my pack.  The most exciting part though was that I hadn’t a clue where I was… I knew I was heading home, but I was going an unfamiliar way…on tiny roads through farm country!  I wasn’t worried at all because I had directions on my phone.  I was excited for the journey ahead!!  

You know how dreams are…in the dream, this was totally normal.  But in real life, I would have been freaking out!!  No directions or plan made ahead of time?  How much water did I have exactly??  On a motorcycle no less?  By MYSELF???  Oh no way, Jose (shaking my head NO)!

While driving home from a bridal shower this afternoon, there was so much traffic on the freeway that I decided to take the back roads home!  Marsh Creek road is just beautiful with it’s oak trees, ranches, horses, hills…you name it!  It’s a gorgeous drive…and whether it was the curves in the road or the feeling of being out in the middle of nowhere…I suddenly remembered my motorcycle dream.  I was thinking how wonderful it was not to be worried about where I was going (but how in reality I worry about things a lot).  In the dream I was prepared with provisions for the journey (but in reality I often feel unprepared for what’s ahead).   Just as I was thinking about my dream and the possibility that maybe God was speaking to me in it, a man on a motorcycle passed by me going the opposite way.  I had to laugh out loud!  Timing.  You can’t tell me God doesn’t have a sense of humor.

So then I began to think:  God’s heart for me is freedom!  He doesn’t want me worrying about finances, Mike’s stressful job situation, the success (or lack thereof) of my business, my kids’ future…any of that.  He’s got me on a “ride”, and He wants me to enjoy it!  He’s provided me with water (His spirit), and food (His Word)…and GPS directions…He will tell me where I need to go and what I need to do as I spend time with Him and listen for His voice. I won’t miss it.  Just like I felt as a teen and in college on those motorcycle rides…He truly wants me to enjoy the excitement and freedom He has along the way!

I’d just like to pause here and say that in no way, hubby, am I saying we need to get me a motorcycle or anything…just in case you were getting excited!! 😉  I’m good with my “mom mobile”!

I’m back!  I was getting excited about this new revelation, and just as I was turning left onto Deer Valley Road, I said outloud, “Yes, Lord, I want to ride like that with You…without a care in the world!!” Get this: the words no sooner left my mouth than another motorcylist suddenly appeared coming toward me in the opposite direction and turning right onto the same road I was turning on…only this time it was a man and a woman together on the bike!!  They pulled over to let me drive by because, hey, they were just out “enjoying a ride”, of all things, and weren’t in any hurry!  I call that “God timing”. 🙂  I think it was His funny way of saying, “Okay, Tami…you’re starting to figure this out…we’re on this awesome adventure TOGETHER!”

I thought I’d blog this today to encourage anyone who feels as I did…a little worried or unprepared for things ahead.  God’s got a plan…and we’re to enjoy the ride!! 🙂  Can you “feel the thunder?!”  Sorry…I got carried away.  Mike always asks me that when a Harley Davidson goes by.

Psalm 84:11, “All sunshine and sovereign is God, generous in gifts and glory.  He doesn’t scrimp with His traveling companions.  It’s smooth sailing all the way with God-of-the-Angel-Armies.”