Full Restoration
Monthly Devotional
Dale’s Wheels Through Time is home to
the world’s premier collection of rare motorcycles, memorabilia, and a distinct array of unique “one-off” American automobiles. Located in Maggie Valley, North Carolina the museum houses a collection of over 300 rare machines. Dale’s Wheels Through Time was originally founded by a guy named Dale Walksler who was a master when it came to American motorcycles. Sadly, Dale passed away last year from cancer, and the museum has since been run by his son Matt. Every year since 2003, Dale’s Wheels Through Time has raffled off some type of professionally restored classic American motorcycle. Over the years, they have given away an assortment of bikes including a ’36 Knucklehead, a ’32 Flathead Bobber, ‘46 Knucklehead, and last year a beautiful ’48 Panhead went to a gentleman from Ohio. Each of these motorcycles were fully restored to like new, immaculate condition from the ground up. If you have ever taken on any full restoration vehicle project, you understand what an expensive and painstaking process this can be. While I have neither the patience nor the desire to attempt such an overwhelming task, I know many people who have. I have watched family members and friends throw things, kick parts across the shop floor, and use the most colorful language imaginable in the name of “Full Restoration.” Today, at the famous HD factory, it roughly takes a mere 100 minutes for workers to assemble 1400 parts into a new Harley Davidson motorcycle on a 46-station assembly line. Pretty quick huh? A full frame up restoration of an older bike however, averages three months to a year for completion according to the folks at Dale’s Wheels Through Time depending on availability of parts. So, why would someone take on the task of making a rusted up old motorcycle look new again?
The answer is simple… Love Love!! To take something apart, then meticulously sand, paint, polish, rebuild, and reassemble, requires a sacrifice of time and finances that most people are just not willing to give. It is truly a labor of love.
18
old Dale loved motorcycles and every time I spoke with him, he was excited to show off his bikes tell where they had come from. He talked of the smallest details, reverence for the original builders, and the love he had for the art of motorcycling. When Dale Walksler looked upon an old rusted-up pile of two wheeled junk, he saw only the beauty underneath the grease and grit.
God views us the same way! No matter what our current situation may be, God sees us as His most beautiful creations. We may have come from abusive relationships, the loss of loved ones, or addiction. Our lives may be covered in the grit and grime of bad life choices that have resulted in the belief that we are nothing but worthless junk. People may even view us as such, but not God. Just as the folks at Dale’s Wheels Through Time take old junk motorcycles and restore them to like new condition to give away, God can “fully restore” us as well. If we put our trust in Jesus, He will take our old dirty, nasty, sin ridden lives and give us a new outlook and direction. You see, when we deserved it least, God sent His son Jesus to die for us to pay the price for our salvation. Why? Just because he loves us!
To be allowed a new start… Regardless of our history… What an amazing gift! And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 1 Peter 5:10
Give ‘em Heaven! Ride on and stay safe, Dennis Reynolds Mideast Regional Elder Bikers for Christ M/M
WWW.CHROMESC.COM
