The Roller-Coaster Ride

I am with you, says the Lord. Haggai 1:13 

     Years ago, a middle school counselor on orientation day for one of our daughters gave us wise advice. She said the years ahead would be like a roller- coaster ride. Our children would face a variety of highs and lows. Her advice? Stay on the sidelines. Do not get on the ride with them. Give them a supportive wave and be there to pick them up, but let them discover things on this ride called life. These lives of ours are filled with times of steady ease, times of unexpected dips and curves and earth-shattering and frightening lows. Even though we can’t possibly experience everything with each other, even those we love the most, there is One who can. Jesus will be there during the entire ride, to experience every ear-splitting yell of pure joy, to ease our fear as we see the dangerous curve ahead, and as our companion through every time of smooth sailing.

     Remind yourself of that today. He will never complain about being too dizzy or too tired to go again. He has been higher and lower than any of us will ever experience. He sits in the glory of heaven and He suffered through the pits of hell. He will look you in the eyes and say, “Surely I am with you always, even to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:20 Whether you are in the beginning of your life, or starting up that final ascent, Jesus will be your ever-present constant companion. Take His hand and experience it all.

 Dear Jesus,
 Stay close beside us today, no matter where we find ourselves, in sorrow, or joy. Remind us to talk with You, to listen to Your voice. You will get us through today, tomorrow and until the end of the age. We love You.
Amen