ROT

This weekend is the ROT (Republic of Texas) Motorcycle rally here in Austin.  I live on the east bound side of US 290 East.  This is right in the path of about 40,000 motorcycles and the HQ of the rally.   Motorcycle riders, it seems, take pride in how loud they can make their "rides".  For about 5 years I have complained, dreaded, ..............the fact that during this weekend, I don't get a lot of sleep, due to the noise as they travel from Decker Lake and town.
But yesterday, I was bored, so I took a trip out to Decker Lake, (Where most of the rally takes place, expect for a "Parade" down Congress Ave. in downtown Austin right in front of the Texas capital.)
Guess what I found?  Yes there where people drinking, partying, and being loud and "in your face" as you would think, but more then those there were families, children, bar-b-ques, campers, food (LOTS of food). There were Christian Motorcycle groups that were talking to everyone who would listen about Jesus Christ.  (note here: they were not "in your face" if someone did not want to talk, they just moved on).  I visited these people, and found they were very nice, freindly and respectful. 
     I had planned to just drive through and check out what was happening here, but what I found was people just like me.  There were Heads of business', there were construction workers, there were trash truck drivers and workers (like me, I immediantly "bonded" with these guys),  I found people of all color, those that liked Country music, rock and roll, classical, christian,,,,,,,,,,,you name it they were playing it.  But mostly I found just people.
     I spent several hours just talking to people, I was offered LOTS of food and talk.  I saw some incrediable motorcycles and people who were pretty proud of them, as they should be.  These Guys and ladies were respectful, and from every age group.  There were children, teens, 20's 30's 40's 50's .......................There was even a couple in their 80's that had been every year since 1992, 

      I returned to my home, with a little more respect for these motorcycle enthusists.
Now, when I hear them go by, I look out my window and think: "I wonder what kind of bike that is, did I meet those guys when I was out there?  I learned something yesterday, and that is, just because I don't understand something dosen't mean it is wrong.  Yes, the noise of these bikes on the highway very close to my bedroom window did make me lose some sleep>  BUT I meet some really nice people, who are no different then me.  I found out that people all over are just people, who need Jesus.  Yes I did talk to a few about my faith, but that was covered out there by a great group of christians.  I mainly, just met great people, who have something in common, they just love bike riding and bikes. 
We, as christians, must see people as people.  They aren't making a lot of noise, or otherwise trying to make our lives miserable on purpose, they just love what they are doing.
Sometimes if we take time to put ourselves in someone eles's place, and see what they are all about, it helps us see them for who they really are.  Who are these motorcyclist "really"?  Easy, just people who love life, love to ride, and love each other.  Wow, how different is THAT?