A Roller Coaster Life

Heart racing, I gripped the bar tightly with my sweaty palms. I nervously tilted my head back as we inched our way up at a painfully slow pace. Grabbing my husband’s hand, I cast a nervous glance in his direction. Why had I agreed to this? Every part of me screamed, NO! But it was too late; I was already strapped in and feeling incredibly sick with each second. We finally reached the top where we hung 230 feet in the air and sat for a split second. A gentle breeze washed over me as if it were a final warning of death. I clenched my jaw and shut my eyes, growing faint by the minute. Whoosh!

Everything felt so fast as my body was dropped and thrown in different directions. Screaming, I clung to the protective bar in front of me, hoping the monstrous ride would end. But every time I thought the agony was over, we’d suddenly plummet another 100 feet. Each corner and dip made my stomach lurch and my head spin.

After what felt like an eternity, the roller coaster came to an abrupt stop. I sat for a good two minutes, nervous about standing for fear of collapsing. Looking over at my slightly discolored face, my husband laughed and replied, “That was amazing! Let’s go on another roller coaster.” I shot him an icy glare, annoyed at his enthusiasm after such a death ride. Oh, the things we do for love.

The rest of the afternoon was spent exploring the amusement park and avoiding other sickening excursions. I’d gone out of my comfort zone once, and once was enough. I knew I would be in pain for a few days, but it felt good to try something new. Besides a bad headache and stiff neck, I enjoyed the fun afternoon with my family.

Obstacles of Life

My experience on that thrill-seeking ride of torment reminded me of the many obstacles life throws at us. Occasionally the ride is thrilling, but it’s those unexpected twists and turns that can leave us feeling jostled and disoriented. We go through moments where the event is anything but pleasant, and there are days that can be downright terrifying. It’s those moments when we cannot see the next turn or drop-off that leaves us feeling blindsided. But despite the terror and unexpected twists, we can be at peace knowing that God holds us in the palm of His hands.

“So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:18, NIV).

My first (and last) roller coaster ride reminded me that it’s okay that I’m not able to see every aspect of my life laid out. If I trust in God and His timing, I can take the turns with more ease, knowing God has a plan. Life can be a roller coaster of events and emotions, and sometimes we just have to hold on.

Madeleine Lowe writes from Indiana.

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