I like to ride rollercoasters. I would imagine that I am not much different than most Americans. We seem to get a rush for living on the edge. A rollercoaster ride offers of the excitement of heart pounding dips and turns. While the security of the amusement park assures us that we will not parish from the ride. So, even though it may feel like we are going to die, we have witnessed throngs of others exit the ride perfected safe and in tact. Being a witness to their experience empowers us to take the risk and go for the adventure.

For the more adventurous, there are greater challenges; bungee jumping, sky diving, jet skiing, motorcycle racing, and so on. For me, I just go for the bigger roller coasters. In St. Louis, we have a local theme park that houses some of the country's grandest rollercoasters. And it seems that every three years or so they build a bigger, scarier ride that challenges park goers to rise to the occasion. A few years ago, they built a mammoth construction that required riders to stand up while being taken through twist turns and vertical loops. I was at the park the day the ride opened. There were countless numbers of people lined up to take their turn at the beast. People stood for hours waiting to face their fears and exit the ride with badges of courage and triumph.

I guest life is sometimes like that. I can recall that even near birth, my son was most entertained by me swinging and tossing him in the air. He was confident that I wouldn't allow him to fall. I don't even think he understood the concept of falling. The feel of the world whirling around you must be pretty exciting. As he has grown older, it takes a little more speed and Daddy animation to bring that smile and petrified laughter to his face. However, what still remains, is his trust that daddy won't allow him to fall.

Our father in heaven must be the same way. As we encounter the whirling winds of life and the crashing waves of our trials, we can trust that God our father, is allowing us the experience the highs and low of life. We can trust that He has a firm grip on us.

The interesting thing about a rollercoaster is that it has no engine. It moves solely by momentum. The persistent up and down motion allows it to keep moving. With every downward thrust, one can anticipate an upward rise. The ups and downs are necessary for the ride to continue. The very moment the motion stops, the ride is over.

I am thankful for the twist and turns of my life; and I have had quite a few. I have been blessed to ride the most amazing rollercoaster ever built. I used to think my life had a steering wheel. I thought I was in total control. But now I know that someone or something bigger than me is driving. My responsibilities are limited to my willingness to hold on and a firm decision to enjoy the ride.