Hold on for the Ride

 

The extremes of life tug and strain at me.  Immense joy and great sorrow occupy the same home, my heart.  I am amazed I can even stand up straight—I think I should be whirling like my mind and emotions.  Life sure can dish it all out!  Seems I go days and even months at a time with so much routine it could drown me.  Then, at other times, I can barely hold on during the ride.  Like a roller coaster, with steep ups and downs, tight turns jerking me this way and that, I am fighting to keep my grip.

 

The holidays were quite lovely this year.  We celebrated with all parts of our family, avoided the late night vigil necessary to surprise young ones as ours are quasi-adults, and we kept our activities simple.  The New Year arrived with fresh beginnings, wedding bells nearing with an engagement and potential just waiting to pour forth.  Slowly, the kids returned to their lives and we returned to our routine.  However, it didn’t take long for the joyful high to take a quick dip.  Cancer…in a new daddy of five months, they are just getting started.  My heart breaks for them and I pray for God’s mercy to pour forth over this family, remembering His mercies are new every morning, for each of us.

 

As my emotions start to rebound with I placing my trust in Him who can do so much more than I ask or imagine, another sharp drop surprises us again.  A young man we know had a seizure, discovered a tumor near the frontal lobe and had brain surgery to remove it.  This dear family, who serves Christ wholeheartedly, had just sustained a blow that would strike fear into anyone.  I fear along side of them.  Their kids are friends with my kids.  It could have been my kids.  No cancer here provides some relief, but I must remind myself as I pray…our God is not a god of fear.  He is constantly reminding us, in His Word, to not be afraid for He is with us.

 

Writing last week’s post, I took a break and browsed Facebook while getting something to drink.  Right there, in my newsfeed, is announced the death of another high school classmate—three in three months.  This one was a dear friend for that season.  Cancer has won the battle with another family.  I am just not old enough to be losing so many people my age.  I grieve for her daughters and for her husband.  Life is feeling a bit unfair.  Slowly I shake the shock away and pray for His comfort and peace to reside in and around them.  He came to give us His peace and to provide a Comforter while He is gone.  This is available to all of us.

 

The week unfolds as I try to breathe deeply and remember His promises.  My heart was encouraged as I watched the peaceful transition of power from one president to the next, here in my country.  There is beauty in the simple process of swearing in, ceremony, speech and parade.  I know this doesn’t happen other places.  I am thankful I don’t have to fear the change.  My heart is peaceful.

 

The two days that followed held great celebration.  Our senior pastor of 33 years retired.  His legacy is amazing, God-glorifying and flowed from a heart full of love.  Members, from years past to present, gathered to celebrate all God had done through this man and this ministry.  Next was the installation of our new senior pastor.  My heart was deeply moved by the care taken to choose a man who is desperately pursuing God, loves people and desires to honor the call God placed before him.  I walked away excited to see what God will bring forth in this new season.  I feel my heart lifting higher with the hope born in these moments.

 

The ups and downs can be thrilling and heart-wrenching.  However, because of God’s mercy, comfort, peace and love, there is no need to fear what is around the corner.  Whether the track leads up or down, He is faithful and I can trust He will see me through each rickety twist, shaky turn and unexpected bump along the way.

 

God is good—ALL THE TIME!