whee....

Roller coasters, tilt-a-whirl, teacups, octopus, swings....  just some of the rides you can find at an amusement park or midway somewhere.  I love all kinds of rides, love every roller coaster...even those that scare me.  But when our lives imitate those rides, well it just isn't fun any more.  I don't know about you but these days it sure seems that my life follows those rides continually.....and I want off!!

One minute up, one minute down, one minute left, one minute right, the next minute spinning out of control, once in a brief while softly swinging.  I want more of those gentle swing days as opposed to those heart-wrenching, breath-stopping, stomach-twisting roller coaster days.  Because most days I want to yell "STOP, I want off!"  And I'm sure on those days God just sits back and sighs and says 'hold on, I'm running this ride.'

I know, and all too often 'forget' until I'm once again blindsided, that when I have those gentle swing days that that satan is going to make sure to trip me up by sending one of those 'other' days to me.  And instead of being prepared, yep...I'm caught off guard, once again.  Sorry, God.  Yes, I know I'm slow; thank You for Your patience with me.  Will I ever learn?

Sometimes when I'm going through something I just can't seem to find the answer to solve it, or at least to get past it or out of it or put it behind me.  I feel stuck.  Ever felt that way?  Again...sorry God! I know You are waiting with the answer for me, if I will just ask....and be patient for the answer.

Sometimes I just can't see what is the 'right' thing to do.  Sometimes you are in a situation that either decision you make really isn't 'wrong', it isn't bad or unChristlike....but you just can't see what is the decision that you should make.  I'm there right now.  It's hard to work through something that falls in this category.  I think it takes time, a lot of thought, a lot of prayer.

Life is hard.  God never said it wouldn't be.  Sometimes we get frustrated because we think it is unfair that life is so hard, but you know, that's just how life is.  Our reward comes later, not now. It doesn't mean we can't have a good or happy and productive life...but this isn't what we are living for.  We have to remember that.

So...hang on, tighten up those safety harnesses....close your eyes if you need to.  But if you are really daring, throw those hands in the air, eyes wide open....and don't hesitate to scream if need be (sometimes it helps!).