The Roller Coaster...of Life.

Have you noticed that life is just like a roller coaster ride? You spend years notching up for it, anticipating, waiting, kind of knowing what’s in store because you’ve watched others go around on the coaster. As you get close to the top of the coaster, you start yelling, “Can’t turn back now boys!” and then you hang at the top for just a brief second and all of a sudden, you’re holding on for dear life! There are tons of twists and turns and rises and drops and you are moving so fast, you can only see what’s coming right in front of you, all the while anticipating the next big drop. Your blood pumps faster, adrenaline races and without really meaning to, you hear yourself screaming at the top of your lungs. And then, you come into another long climb.

Your heart slows down a bit, but now that you know what is in store, you realize that the climb is really only a catch your breath place. It’s a little relief before you go into part two of the ride. The ominous clack, clack, clack of the chain below you tells you that you’re in for another gut-wrenching series of twists and turns. You’re up and over the top, tossed to the left, then slammed to the right. Now your stomach is in your throat and now it’s in your toes and just as suddenly, it’s over. And when your body fully understands that you’ve actually survived, and a rush of adrenaline and relief washes over you, then you are suddenly free to enjoy the ride.

What a tragedy!   What a tragedy that we have to go all the way through life, anxious and worrying over every last thing only to look back and say, “that wasn’t so bad.” What if you could enjoy every part of the journey? You can.

Listen to what Jesus said: John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

There it is! Hold onto Jesus...and enjoy the ride!