Originally published on April 17, 2020
Enjoy the Ride
Up and down. High and low. Rides are enjoyable with their predictable motion that sometimes has a few bumps and thrills along the ride. Teeter-totters are fun because we have the choice and participate in the rhythm. They aren’t so much fun when your partner is heavier and can keep you at the top for however long they like or push off so hard that when you land, you nearly fall off. The emotional and informational teeter-totter that we are currently strapped to isn’t that much fun.
I look over my proverbial playground. Maybe your current situation is more like a slide. You continue to climb the slide, expecting a different outcome, and just continue to go down. You trudge up and then are bored with the downward cycle that is sure to come.
I like the swings. Up and down, higher and higher at a steady rhythm, pumping enough to keep the rhythm and soaring after the force. But then there’s a squeal of manic laughter when you’re suddenly pushed higher or get thrown out of alignment.
While crossing the monkey bars, did you ever pretend the ground was lava? Or monsters would catch you? Each bar is the same distance apart, but by the end, it feels like they’ve increased in distance. Do you feel like the rungs are evenly spaced, or are they getting steadily harder to grasp?
So, we’ve been at this social distancing thing for a while now, and although most of us are practicing safe and conscientious behavior, I don’t think we’re really getting better at it, and honestly, I don’t want to. I want to be better and more faithful on the other side of this. I want to be able to have the strength to climb, the voice to squeal with delight and praise, and the balance to keep my wits during the chaos. I want to have the courage to reach one more rung to make it across.
Throughout his writings, Paul encourages us to pray, give thanks, and find joy in all circumstances. We know too well that it’s easier said than done. Except for my attitude and resolve, I accept that I have very little control. I willingly hand that over to God.
Lord, lean down and hear our prayer. We pray for deliverance. We pray for perseverance. We pray for wisdom and discernment for understanding. Attune our ears to listen to your word and our minds to know your truth. Comfort our hearts from fear. Amen.
Kelda Poynot
