IT’S NOW OR NEVER FOR A FULL THROTTLE RIDE HOME!!!
Biker chick. Not words that you might choose to describe me, but you would be wrong! My husband Russ owned two different motorcycles in the years right before and after he retired. Nothing I enjoyed more than grabbing my helmet and leather jacket and climbing up on the seat behind my handsome dude. While I never rode solo, I learned the rules of the road and the ends and outs of how to lean into turns and curves. I also learned to appreciate words like a full throttle ride.
It sounds lame now, but for us, being the old codgers we were, a full throttle ride was riding on straight country roads at the maximum speed limit. We weren’t big risk-takers, however riding a bike at 50-55 miles per hour for even a short distance was a big thrill for us. Several years ago when I started writing about how to develop a strong finish in our homestretch, full throttle seemed like a good description of what I pictured as the ideal journey home.
The Apostle Paul never rode a motorcycle, but I think he would have appreciated the term full-throttle—maximum effort, full speed ahead to the very end. Acts 20: 24—“However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.”
Finishing our race seems to fit homestretch–the final part of a distance or the final effort needed to finish, or almost finished, final goal is in sight. Taking Grace Home covers the homestretch really well. Grace or unmerited favor is something we need for all of our lives. It seems that we need it more and more as we grow older. Our expectations for having a wonderful life, for living the abundant life Christ promised, should never end.
So, here’s an invitation. I encourage all of us to dust off our grit and gumption and be determined to continue to live for Christ…to finish strong…to set ourselves up for success in our homestretch. Finishing strong is to never stop loving and to never stop serving. It is taking hold of grace and of Jesus, and holding on for dear life. We can improve our walk home by:
- Being bold and brave–that means we’ll trust the Lord more than listen to our fears.
- Becoming the best version of ourselves.
- Making our lives more intentional.
- Developing an eternal mindset.
- Trusting God and His promises as much and as deeply as ever before.
The really good news is that grace is all we need to make our lives work. II Corinthians 12:9—“But He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.; Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” We can trust that grace will prepare us for heaven and lead us home.
What I’ve discovered in the homestretch is that while life can be very different, so many things we’re believed and depended on all our lives remain the same:
- Gratitude really works. God shows up for us all the time.
- God’s Word is true and more real than ever.
- Our spiritual gifts are still available and ready to be used.
- No matter where we are on our journey home, we still have a part in God’s kingdom work.
- God’s grace, love. and deliverance are still active.
- These homestretch days can be as meaningful and productive as any other part of our lives.
- Just like when we planned our education, careers, weddings, and child-rearing, our homestretch days require the same attention to seeking the Lord’s leadership.
So, welcome to this part of the journey where the road home remains the same, but time is shorter. Our travel is more crucial. We need to be realistic about our expectations, but we can also be optimistic. At this point in our lives, we know we need Jesus. We know we’re headed home. This is a good time of our lives—not what we might have expected or planned, but good because the Lord has made it that way—aches and pains, losses and changes and all.
Former President George H. W. Bush said it well: “Be strong, be kind, be generous of spirit, be understanding and let people know how grateful you are. Don’t get even. Comfort the ones you’ve hurt and let down. Say your prayers and ask for God’s understanding and strength. Finish with a smile and some gusto and do what’s right and finish strong.”
Philippians 1: 6…”God is the one who began this good work in you. He won’t stop until it is complete.”
YOUR TURN:
How do you define your full throttle, strong finish ride home? What will it take to make your homestretch the best it can be? Please be sure to share your point of view in the comments. We need your viewpoint and your encouragement!
Love these words of encouragement. Sometimes I forget where I’ve been, who I am and what I’m to do in the future. Thank God HE has me! Love this blog!
Karen–I appreciate your reading the blog and commenting. What a joy it is to share a history of going to church together years ago. Keep on serving the Lord. That’s what a full throttle ride to glory is all about. Never giving up, but keeping on keeping on. God deserves all the phrase!
Such a good Word Linda. And so timely. I am at a conference this weekend with thousands of people… as I sat there in this sea of people and looked around, wondering what in the world I was doing here alone, without my best friend. I know very few people in this city and at this church. So it’s easy to feel alone and unseen. I prayed God, what is the purpose of this?
Then I sat down and saw your post. Reminding me of my purpose. Thank you again for your ministry. ❤️
Jess–Thank you for taking time while at a conference to stop and share some very encouraging words. You and I are both trying to find our way in this “new normal” in which we live. God is sooo good, every day in every way. My heart aches to have my sweet fella by my side again, yet at the same time, my heart has also grown so much while I’ve been on my own. The Lord is faithful and I know He will never leave our side. We may feel lonely at times, but we are never alone. I enjoy seeing you interact with your family in the photos you post on Face Book. I’m glad you’re finding ways to continue building your life. Love and blessings, Linda
I really enjoyed reading this. I love the illustration of full throttle and how you and dad would go riding. I really enjoy reading your writing.
Justin–Hope you’re feeling better and about ready to leave the hospital. I appreciate your kind and encouraging comments. I’m happy you like the motorcycle references. You know how much Russ loved riding his bike before he injured his elbow and didn’t feel safe handling it. I still have really fond memories of riding with him. Praying that you get to go home soon. Love and blessings, Linda/Mom
Thank you for a great article. I am at this very stage of life now.
I am looking forward to the changes ahead. God is good in all seasons of life.
Cindy–I appreciate your comments. As I wrote this particular post I wasn’t sure how many other folks felt the same ticking away of our lives as I did. It seems like it is something we think about more and more as we hit every birthday beyond our 50th. I love your attitude of being positive about the eventual changes ahead of us. It’s so reassuring that God never changes and is there to help us navigate our lives every step of the way. With my motorcycle-riding days more of a memory than a reality, I am more and more grateful that God continues to provide new adventures on our road home. Thanks so much for your encouraging words!
Loved this, Linda. I’m just wondering what kind of skid marks I’m leaving.
Phyllis–Your words mean the world to me. I believe the marks you’re leaving on the road home are well etched footprints. You and Bill have lived your lives making the Lord known through your words–sung, spoken, and written–and through your actions. You both have impacted and blessed my life tremendously through the years.
I road bikes but never enjoyed it. Not the dare devil, I had been earlier on. And was in my 60s when I started riding.
My full throttle is continuing to work and pray for the many where I work that are in need of prayer. To encourage everyone I can. To be kind as I can without allowing the kids to run wild. To help out the teachers and administration anyway I can no matter if it’s in my job discription or not.
To spend as much time as possible with my grandchildren helping them anyway they need help. I spent a lot of time with friends in deep conversations too.
Sometimes even late at night when they are troubled, knowing work is waiting in the morning.
It is also to read the entire Bible at least once a year. So I can better understand God’s message, and help others understand it too.
And to get out and socialize when I can.
I am not actively working in church as I did for many years. This was the very first time in a long time I did not help with Bible school. Yet I took the boys and went to an adult class.
My full throttle sadly is not as energetic as it had been. I got really sick during covid and still and not back to normal. Which is very frustrating to me.
Mary–I appreciate the thought and processing you put into your comment. I loved hearing how you’re structuring your homestretch. You’ve chosen very worthwhile goals! You continue to use the skills the Lord has given you in helping others. I can’t think of a better definition of “full throttle.” Like you I’m not much of a dare devil any more. I’m sure I wasn’t ever much of one, although Russ brought out the best in me and made me feel brave. It’s fun checking in on your grands via Face Book from time to time. They are getting so big. Praying that everyone stays healthy and enjoys a wonderful fall season.
I was blessed by your article Linda. Former President Bush was ON SPOT with that quote.
Kim–Thank you for commenting and for being a subscriber to the blog. I appreciate your encouragement!
What an encouraging blog. Thank you for sharing. I love “full throttle”. I, too, am on my home stretch. There is so much I want to do. Sometimes I get ahead of God. So, I’m learning to slow down and be silent and listen. I look forward to your blogs.
Martha
Martha–I appreciate you coming by and reading this latest blog post, especially after the crazy busy weekend you had with the craft showcase at church. Thank you for your encouragement. I like your comment about slowing down and not getting ahead of God. Good words for all of us to remember!