Goin' to a motorcycle gathering (The Rhino Rally)

Today I get on my BMW1150 and join thousands of other motorcycle enthusiasts in Harrismith. This is the Rhino Rally: a social gathering of people from all over the country for a weekend of motorcycles and people. There will be a huge marquee on the soccer fields, which houses a bar and live music. There will be a ‘shenanigan street’ for wheelies and drags. On Saturday morning there will be a mass ride from the site, around town, down the hooligan street and back. There will be lots of prizes and trophies, flea markets, stalls and exhibitions ... oh yes also paramedics and a site hospital.

I go for the bikes, the friends, the crazy people, and for the ride. For just a moment I leave behind the responsibilities of life and become a kid again. Will keep you posted.  

Delme Linscott

I have a colleague who offers compassionate pastoral care to all who come to him, rigorous academic lectures in church history to seminary students, and loving support to his wife and family. He is Delme Linscott, and he writes regular reflections on life at Living in Grace.  I respect him for his unflagging commitment to encouraging people in their walk with Jesus.  He does this both through sermons and teaching series, and more importantly through personal example.     

Delme strives for integrity in his actions and words, this nowhere more evident than in his interactions with the people around him. Yesterday, along with eleven others, he took part in a 40km cross-country cycle race for a children’s charity. The week before the event he had battled with flu, and so could have pulled out. But his commitment to the charity saw him struggle through the first 30km despite cramping badly. I admire this kind of guts. I admire even more the way he chose to withdraw from the race, recognising that his health was at risk. This kind of self-awareness is admirable, and is the kind of courage for living that adds value to life.

If you get a chance to spend time with Delme it is a real tonic.