Assurance

Friday while having a phone conversation with my regional manager, he said that one of our salesmen in California, David, turned in his resignation. This news was a real shocker because David and I keep in touch on a fairly regular basis. We just spoke a couple of weeks ago and he didn't mention anything about leaving or even being unhappy.

(Depoe Bay)

Five years ago I had the privilege of mentoring him when he started with the company. Since then we've had a good friendship that's evolved over the phone and through email. Most discussions center on business but we usually talk about our faith in God.

After hanging up with my regional manager I was hit with a feeling of loss. I wondered how this would effect our friendship. Was I going to lose a friend?  David would probably be going to work for a competitor and that might change things a little. After pondering the situation for about ten minutes I decided to call him. After one ring it went right to voice mail. I left a message wishing him well and saying that whatever his reason for leaving, I'm sure it's the right decision for providing for his family. I said how much I appreciated our time working together and that if I don't get to see him again in this life, I know I'll see him in the next one.

That last statement might sound arrogant but it's not meant to be. It's stated with the utmost humility because it's not rooted in anything that I've done. There aren't too many things in this world that give us assurance. Life is getting more complex and with more uncertainty each year. We all know this and we all have doubts and struggles. But if you believe in God and have read or heard anything from the Bible then you know there is one sure thing that we can count on, and that's the fact that God keeps His promises. The assurance of going to heaven is not based on anything we do but on what a loving God has done for us through His Son. Realizing this truth and accepting it gives great comfort and confidence.

(Depoe Bay)

What does all of this have to do with riding? Having assurance of eternal security gives life a new perspective. The risks involved with riding are still there but once the issue of our eternal future is secure, there is far less to lose.

David called back and we had a good talk about things. He's going to work for the competition and a previous manager we use to have. We agreed to keep in touch similar to the way we have but with less talk about business.

(Nehalem - Nehalem Bay)

As a side note, I went to the jail Friday afternoon. The inmate I mentioned about a month ago who was defending himself had his trial. I happened to see him and he told me with a big smile that he won. He was found innocent on all counts. He was released later that afternoon. I can't imagine the burden lifted off of his shoulders. Defending yourself and being found innocent is extremely rare. He's a blessed man and I wish him well.

I've used some images taken Thursday and Friday while working at the coast. I can't help but be amazed at the beauty of our world. Think about its vastness whether viewed from a microscope or a telescope. Hope you got to view it this weekend over your handlebars.