Thrill Ride

My family recently took a vacation. We spent most of our time at theme parks, but we also took some time to go swimming and relaxing. To save ourselves lots of money, we made most of our own meals. We also drove to our destination, 1,000 miles away. We are truly blessed to have such good travelers in the family! Nobody was left behind, there was no carsickness or emergency stops, and most conflicts were resolved without parent intervention.

One of the highlights of the trip was going on a roller coaster with Tobias, my nine-year-old son. He REALLY wanted to go on a super-fast roller coaster, and no one else wanted to do it. I was not very enthusiastic about going on this one particular one, and I almost made us turn back for good after three tries of trying to find the entrance (we should have never taken a shortcut). Brian is generally not interested in those types of rides, and no one else was up for the challenge either. We waited in line for over an hour (at least 75 minutes). We watched several people get in line, and then leave after just a few minutes. The entrance to the ride was away from the exit, so I didn't even see the people getting off the ride. I was a bit nervous, but my brave boy was not.

This coaster is a 90-second thrill ride the whole way through, including much of your time upside down or spiraling over a body of water. As many people on the ride were screaming in delight, I hear Tobias scream "THIS, IS. SO. MUCH. FUN.", repeatedly. I couldn't see him, but I knew it was him. It sounded like pure joy. He was one of the smallest riders, and had the most fun. His smile was so big as we walked off the ride, hand-in-hand. I really enjoyed it too, but it was even better to see how happy my son was. I am so glad I did not give up on getting on the ride. It was one of the best roller coaster rides I have ever had.

Following Jesus can be like that. We get frustrated when things are not as easy as we think. Yes, Jesus is my Savior, but He is not going to make my life on earth perfect. There will be times of uncertainty, sometimes doubt on what we have chosen to do, but still know it's the best thing. Some people want to join in on the "Jesus train", but are not patient or willing to sacrifice, and turn away.

If we endure to the end, our eternity is going to be more than just fun. It will be pure enjoyment, and we will not be able to stop singing His praises. We may think we know what to expect, but being with the Father will surpass all of our understanding.

Ecclesiastes 3:11

He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man's heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end.

Matthew 24:12-13

12 And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold.13 But the one who endures to the end will be saved.

BLESSED. BE. THE. LORD.