Be still before
the Lord and wait patiently for him.
Psalm 37:7
 |
| Me with Hayleigh, February 2012 |
As
we boarded the roller coaster, Space Mountain, Hayleigh asked if could ride
together. Could we? That’s like asking if a mom of four has too much laundry to
do. You bet!
Space
Mountain is a favorite for me. There’s something about speeding through the
dark to destination unknown that calls to the adventurer living in my heart. Why
then does that same heart bristle when situation unknown lies around the corner
of my life?
My
Disney experience is relatively safe. I know it will end in 2 ½ minutes and
I’ll be greeted by a friendly ride operator who sends me off with wishes for a
magical day. The ride offers an identical thrill to thousands day after day.
The
life planned by my Creator is individual with twists and turns unique to me. It
has periods of indeterminate length in which I’m totally in the dark. What can
I do when I’m tempted to scream and ask to be removed from His ride?
Be
still – Worry seeds in my heart and sprouts into fear and doubt. I have seen
many a parent soothe the fears of a questioning child in line for an amusement
park ride. Reassurance comes most easily when the child stops voicing their
fears and listens to the parent’s guidance. When I stop, He quiets my fear and
whispers words of encouragement.
Before
the Lord – The same parents who console their children, often stoop down to get
eye level with their kids or sweep them into their embrace. When I struggle, I
need to get eye to eye with God, press close to His heart and remember He’s
looking out for my best interests. When I am before Him, He is what matters,
not the unknown factors of my life.
Wait
patiently – Like a never-ending queue line, the answers to my questions or
uncertainties don’t always come quickly. However, when I’m trapped in a line
and take the time to look around me, I notice interesting objects right where I
stand. It’s easier to wait patiently when we stop looking at the end of the
line and focus on the next step to take instead.
I
have no idea if the ride of my life will last another 2 ½ days or decades. What
I do know is I want to sit firmly gripped by His grace, belted by His love
and ride to the end with my arms thrown up in reckless abandon.
What thrill could you experience with God today if You threw your arms up to Him in reckless abandon?
Absolutely gorgeous sister Shannon! There is such peace when abiding in Him! ~ Blessings, Amy
ReplyDeleteRiding with Him is filled with peace and thrilling at the same moment. Pretty cool, huh?
DeleteHi Shannon,
ReplyDeletewhat a wonderful post, such great analogies...........and what a sweet pic of you and Hayleigh. I live in central Florida so we
have taken a number of rides on space mountain over the years.
I am personally not thrilled with a ride in the dark, especially on
a roller coaster............but am learning to be at peace in the dark times of life and yes, at times it is thrilling, the things He does, the things He teaches us, and the things we really learn that get down into our heart not just our head.
Thanks for your great incites
Love and Blessings hon, Nellie
Nellie, we used to live in Jacksonville. My daughters recount fondly how occasionally we'd wake up on a Saturday and just drive down for the day on a whim. Great memories!
DeleteAbout your last question, I think about it. it's a good question. What I want ( or is it will) is: threw your arms up to Him in reckless abandon. But my lack of discipline ...
ReplyDeleteThat discipline (or lack thereof) will get us every time, won't it?
DeleteI will try to remember this when, at the end of June, my job will be fazed out and then in August I start student teaching (for no pay). And then the fear of not knowing if I'll be able to find a teaching job. I keep telling myself God wouldn't bring me through six years of college courses, while working full-time, and then not let me find work.
ReplyDeleteGreat post! Stopping by from VoiceBoks!
Sometimes it's both astounding and seemingly impossible when we see what lies ahead. Aren't we glad God is so much bigger than our limited view? Praying for you during this time of transition!
DeleteLife certainly IS a roller coaster! Thankfully, no matter if we feel we are in a dark tunnel or at the top of a hill, our Savior is holding us tightly.
ReplyDeleteYes He is. So thankful!
DeleteAmen. Shannon,not to sound like I am at a loss for words, because I am not. All I can say to your wonderful post is... Amen.
ReplyDelete:) Carla, I can not imagine you at a loss for words...but they're such good words! :)
DeleteLovely, Shannon. I have trouble throwing up my arms sometimes...but sometimes they are thrown up for me. Persevere!
ReplyDeleteI hear that! Sometimes His gentle touch is more like a healthy yank in the right direction!
DeleteThe picture of you and your daughter is so sweet.
ReplyDeleteI had to surrender to the Lord just yesterday. One of my sons is struggling and I can only do so much...I've had to turn him over to the Lord and trust in his will. In all reality my son belongs to God anyway, but as a mother it's sometimes hard to relinquish my will to HIS.
Ugh! That struggle for control can be so difficult. I want to hold my kids with an open hand but all to often I find myself slowly closing my fingers once again.
DeleteI know, it happens so easily.
Delete