I am the kind of person who loathes roller-coasters. I hate the fact that I am not able to know when the next turn will be. I hate going upside down. I hate the slow crawl to the top of the hill, knowing that at any minute we will be hurtling to our death. I even hate watching film of roller-coasters as it makes me sick.
And I can’t understand those people who are totally fine with roller-coasters. Those people who say “oh, it’s so much fun, just enjoy the ride”.
I don’t enjoy the ride.
I don’t like not being in control.
I may not ever choose to get on a roller-coaster again, but I can’t always be in control. I can’t be in control of the weather, or illness, or hardship. Life is in a lot of ways like a roller-coaster, with blind corners, steep climbs, and moments of hurtling to the bottom seemingly out of control.
I have asked the question over 2016: “fear or faith?” And this has already birthed another phrase, “enjoy the ride”.
See if I say I choose faith but still determinedly grip onto the steering wheel, is it really faith? If I choose faith and then get totally thrown when things don’t go “to plan”, have I actually chosen faith or am I just pretending I have?
I love this verse from Hebrews:
Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.
I am embarking on a new adventure this year. I am writing my first book. Having never taken this ride before I have no idea how it will play out. I don’t know where the hills are, or the turns, or the scary drops. But I do not that I haven’t yet let go of the steering wheel, I haven’t yet settled back in my seat and buckled in for the ride.
What is your adventure this year? Some fresh study? A new church? Returning to the work-force? Launching a new business?
Have you let go of the steering wheel? Have you settled in for the ride?
I am determined that, this year, even if my knuckles be white and face somewhat tense, I am going to get on the roller-coaster, buckle myself in, and with assurance about what I can not see, I’m going to enjoy the ride.
Join me for the journey,
Jodie