Stuck on a Rollercoaster

Originally published Friday, 16 January 2015.

I don’t do rollercoasters. Period. The recent news that the rollercoaster at our local entertainment park broke down leaving people stuck in it at the top until the fault was fixed has served to strengthen this resolve. Bad enough being on the rollercoaster with the dips and climbs let alone being stuck at the top. Although, given life is often described as being on a rollercoaster, maybe a pause with a good view isn’t such a bad idea?

That’s what got me thinking. A rollercoaster doesn’t stop – the speed varies sure, the height certainly does, as does the direction – up or down. But breaks, rest, stops? That’s not really a part of the ride. (Unless it counts when you’re game enough to go for another ride and have a rest while others disembark / embark?!)

Seriously though, in life we need to intentionally build rest stops into our days and months and years. Time to pause, take breath, savour life and then go again with renewed vigour. Something I’m completely hopeless at doing. In this world that demands action almost 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (especially when you work in shipping!) we need to intentionally disengage, unplug and rest.

But more than that, in the busyness of life, in God we can find rest and strength. God who can sustain us. We need to ensure that we remain connected to Him.

“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” (Psalm 73:26)

“Let my soul be at rest again, for the LORD has been good to me.” (Psalm 116:7)

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