Life feels like a roller coaster sometimes, doesn’t it?  Unlike actual roller coasters, we don’t have much of a choice about buckling into the ride of life.  In all actuality, I am sometimes hesitant to get on roller coaster rides because of how they’ll make me feel.  Will I enjoy the ride?  Will it make me sick?  Will I be dizzy for a week after a few thrilling moments? 

Let’s take the chance and buckle in a while, shall we?  While we’re on the ride, we notice there are ups and downs and spins and turns.  Just when we think we know what’s coming, the good rides take us by surprise and change all our expectations.  But, isn’t that the main reason for getting on the ride in the first place?  Don't we want the full experience?  And, isn't it worth it?

We’ve heard about your roller coaster rides.  We see your stories.  The moments you didn’t see coming, the turns along the way, the moments of elation and those of disappointment are all very real in life.  The moments of screaming at the top of your lungs with joy and excitement are all also very real.  The moments when you figure out which friends are willing to endure the nausea and the excitement that comes with facing the coaster with your eyes wide open is real too! 

So, where is God in this?  God is on the roller coaster with each of us.  God holds us when the ride is thrilling and when the ride flips us upside down.  May you feel God’s presence with you on the roller coaster of life just as we were reminded by Catherine in our guest post this week, "sunshine and peace are just as certain as darkness and difficulty." You'll want to keep your eyes open on this ride for God’s activity, not just during the moments of elation but also during those moments of uncertainty on the ride of life.  God is with you, so enjoy the ride, even the unexpected turns.

The Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. - Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV

Prayer:  God, help us see you in every situation we face, even the twists and turns.  Allow us to not only notice you but to also welcome you along on the roller coaster ride we call life.