Jimbo's Jots

This past week, I took a group of teens and adults to one of my favorite locations in the world, Cedar Point. I have loved amusement parks, the rides especially. I remember going to the county fair and state fairs growing up and wanting to ride the rides. A couple of times, my family would go to Six Flags in St. Louis. Since my college days (and that’s over 40 years), I think there has been maybe one year that I didn’t get to go to Cedar Point.

Over the years, Cedar Point has changed rides and attractions. Some have worked and others have not. Who remembers the giant bobsled coaster? And then they put a building around it and called it Disaster Transport?

Here’s where I am with roller coasters these days. Jesus, asking his disciples to pray with him in the garden, warned them about the spirit being willing but the flesh is weak. Yep! That’s where I am! I still love the thrill of the rides, but I just can’t do the pace that I did through the park compared to even 5 years ago.

I have ridden some of these coasters dozens of times. One of my favorites is the Raptor at Cedar Point. It’s a suspension coaster where you are seated, but feet are dangling in the air. It twists, turns and loops and has several big drops.

Here is another observation I noticed this year. On the second trip through, (because as you’re ascending up the first hill getting ready to drop 100 ft, you start to think about life choices), I had this thought. “I know what is coming up. It’s time to brace yourself for the first turn and drop.” And I did! And we dropped! Then, I got all twisted and turned myself trying to figure out where we were on the coaster.

I’ve talked to people that kind of experience life like this. There are various stages of whether to ride or not. Some see life from the observation stage – like looking at a coaster before you get on it. You see the ups and downs, twists and turns. You decide at that point if it’s worth the thrill to get on.

Some choose to get on and enjoy the ride. They know all about the twists and drops and they are all in. Some choose not to get on at all. It’s a safe choice for the most part. They rest on the assurance of the safety of the ground they are standing on.

Here’s one other observation – there are hundreds of workers who day in and day out work to make sure the rides function properly and are safe for the riders. In life, there are hundreds of people in your life that can walk and talk with you to bring a word of peace, power, love, mercy, thanksgiving . . . well, you know. Think of these people as God’s workers who are trained to help you along your way.

So, sit back! Put your hands up!! Enjoy the rollercoaster you’re on called life! God has put people in your world to keep you safe!

Be blessed! Be a blessing to others on the ride!