Rollercoaster or Merry-Go-Round?

The status of one of my Facebook friends this morning got me thinking.

She wrote: “I hate rollercoasters. I’m more of a merry-go-round kind of girl.”

In contrast to my friend, I LOVE rollercoasters!

Before I had back surgery in 2005 that made it impossible for me to ever ride one again, I took every opportunity to do so. I loved the slow climb to the top that heightened the anticipation, the sudden, heart-stopping drop, the twists and turns, the feeling of flying through the air. The faster and steeper the rollercoaster was, the more I loved it.

My absolute favorite was Space Mountain at Disney World. I loved that it is completely dark inside except for flashing lights so that when the ride begins, you cannot see where you are going. All you can do is surrender to wherever the ride takes you and try to catch your breath as you enjoy the wild ride.

I find it interesting that while I like the rollercoaster ride at an amusement park, it’s easy to prefer the tame merry-go-round in real life.

It’s predictable. There are no surprises, no sudden jolts or twists.

However…it’s also boring. The scenery never changes. There is no challenge, no thrill, no rush. It is stagnant. It requires no courage.

I have found that a life lived with Jesus is anything but a tame merry-go-round ride.

He is always calling us up higher, inviting us to go deeper, encouraging us to bolder faith.

He said as much when He uttered these transforming, life altering words: “The thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it in abundance…to the full, til it overflows.” –John 10:10

Right now, I am in a season where I feel like I am riding a rollercoaster in the dark. Everyday is an adventure. I have no idea where the track will take me. There have been many times when I’ve  been scared to death, as well as moments that  have literally taken my breath away.

Yet…I have never been more alive. My senses are heightened. I take nothing for granted. My faith in a fearless, fiery, and joy-filled Savior has been proven genuine and strong. I have never been closer to Him…and like it or not, that kind of intimacy never comes during the easy times.

I have surrendered to the ride, wherever it takes me…because I ultimately know that He is leading me deeper into His heart.

“Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways…body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming, “WOO-HOO! What a ride!”