“Life” – The Ride | brady, mark a.

I love riding roller coasters. The thrill, the excitement, the rush they provide is satisfying. Being surprised by sudden twists and turns, dips, and loops. Corkscrews are always a nice touch. One thing I have noticed designers give their coasters big names. Such as, The Texas Giant, Millennium Force, The Beast, Nitro, Magnum XL-200, Intimidator 305, Goliath, and Cyclone in the famous Coney Island, to name a few.

Life, at times, feels like a roller coaster. Up one minute, down the next. Cheering with exhilaration, or screaming with terror. Laughing one second and potentially tearing up in the next turn. Life can change drastically in a moment. A life is born, or a life can end. One can meet their new spouse, or get handed divorce papers. A job can be gained, or one can be terminated, in a moment.

Life moves, in a constant motion. Never pausing, chilling out, or taking a rest. It’s impossible to stay in a good moment very long. Dealing with this moving force can be overwhelming at times. There is no way, once the ride goes over the first hill, you can ask the operator to stop and let you off. Sad, but true, some riders get off the ride by taking matters into their own hands and prematurely end it, causing, “an unfinished life!” I think this is due to not knowing the Operator, and trusting Him.

Coasters are designed to keep riders safe, and getting them to the end. Yes, freak accidents do occur at times, just like in life. There are no guarantees, and there is no posted sign that discourages getting on the ride due to things like height, or lack of, your health, pregnancy, or recovering from a recent surgery.

The key to surviving a coaster and life is trusting the Operator. Accepting His love, his Son, and His Spirit to ride next to you. On my honeymoon, my wife and I went to an amusement park. I made the mistake of asking her to ride next to me. I didn’t get hurt from the ride, but my arm was bleeding from her digging in her finger nails, and my ear was ringing from her screams, “Take me home!” The Operator will rejoice with you in the highs, and comfort you during the lows. He, God, can keep you calm with the many twists and turns that comes with life.

Don’t attempt to ride life alone. Accept God’s offer to join you. The admission price was paid for by His son, Jesus when He died on the cross for you. One thing I can promise you is “Life” – The Ride is much better with God.