Rarities

"When it comes to life the critical thing is whether you take things for granted or take them with gratitude." – G.K. Chesterton

It was the summer after my fourth-grade year, I believe, when I started pestering my dad about letting me get a dirt bike. I did not even know how to ride one, but I was sure I could have a lot of fun with one. Even in the late 90's, cycles cost more than I could scratch up mowing yards and doing odd jobs. It was only a daydream until my dad made me the deal of the century. 

“If you make all A’s in every subject this coming year, I’ll get you a dirt bike.”

May finally came. I got the last report card and met my goal. On the sly, my dad (a motorcycle guy through and through) had already found an older used cycle in good shape. He kept it at a coworker’s house, and they made a few repairs on it leading up to the end of the school year. If you are thinking ‘coolest dad award’ right now…I would have to agree! He picked me up from school and asked to see the official report card. When we arrived home, there it sat in the back yard, a thing of shiny, red beauty. 

Dad purchased a 1983 Suzuki SP100(like the one in the photo), a fully street-legal version of a popular off-road model, complete with all the lights, mirrors, and even a horn. With a little bit of TLC, it was practically perfect. It was a dream come true. I put a lot of miles on the little red cycle. After a year or so, I upgraded to a larger dirt bike, and I had to sell the little red Suzuki. I seem to remember hearing that the kid who had it after me trashed it all to pieces. That always made me a little sad because I had been so particular with it. Recently, I conducted a quick internet search and discovered that my first bike was not that common. Some people even say they are “rare.” 

Is that not the way life goes sometimes? A person may have something rare or unusual and not even realize it. Strange as it may seem, learning that my little Suzuki was a bit rare got me thinking about something deeper. It caused me to consider more important rarities in life. It helped me realize that sometimes what you have right in front of you is rare. It reminded me that it is possible to see something (or someone or a situation) as ordinary when it is anything but ordinary. It also reminded me of the need to look at things a little deeper, and to more carefully consider the present.

I thought, “What are the rarities in my life?”

A few came to mind, and they made me feel more grateful for what I have and more thankful to be alive. 

If you are reading this, you might have a similar story, one in which something rare or unique slipped through your fingers. May it remind you to look for and recognize the rare (and real) beauty in your world and hold onto it with all your might.

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