I've never been one to enjoy wild rides at the exhibition! No! No roller coasters for me! Watching others was enough to make my stomach churn! In high school, track and field wasn't a favourite either, especially the hurdles! No, I preferred — and still do prefer — to keep my feet securely planted on the solid ground.

Scripture reminds us that in this life, there will be troubles. I would say that the past few weeks have qualified as "troubles"! Having decided that it was time to downsize and buy a condo meant the need to sell the home that Bob and I had bought new in 1972. Talk about an emotional roller coaster! Purging in order to make the house presentable for showings was one of the first hurdles. Ugh! I had no idea how cluttered my place was with family pictures everywhere from throughout the past 52 years. So many treasures with fond memories had to be removed. Another bump in the road of life had the next signpost: Reality Check! You can't take everything with you to a condo!

Matthew 6:19a,21 – Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (NIV)

As I struggled through the process with many a tear, I needed to deal with the various items that were so special to both of us! It would be different if I were facing my death today, as I know that I won't want or need these earthly mementos, which are so precious to me here, when I'm with the Lord, face to face.

Even though I knew that the Lord had guided me to make this move, it didn't mean that it was easy sailing or a smooth road. As I navigated the bumps, I called on Him for strength. Up the hill I'd climb as excitement would build, and then — whoosh — down the roller coaster, as I faced more challenges.

As the countdown continues and the piles of boxes increase, I have a strange calmness. I know that the Lord really is in control, and as I depend on Him, my roller coaster is turning into more of a Tilt-A-Whirl™, the one ride that I used to enjoy! Its curved shape surrounding the riders reminds me of God holding me in the palm of His great hand. I am secure and held by Him, even though my world still spins and twirls up and down from time to time. I can trust Him and depend on Him.

May each of us remember that He holds the whole world in His hands, so we need not fear the unknown road ahead!

The old hymn, On Christ the solid Rock I stand, is as true today as ever. He is the sure and solid footing — no matter what troubles come our way. He is indeed the way to survive and thrive!

Prayer: Dear heavenly Father, we come before You in awe of who You are, for in spite of our shortcomings and weaknesses, Christ died for each of us and rose again to give us life abundant and forever. Help us to seek Your face, to reach out and grasp Your hand that is reaching out to help us, protect us, and shelter us, especially when our world seems to be out of control like a roller coaster, and putting hurdles in our path. Thank You for surrounding us like the Tilt-A-Whirl™, protecting us in the shelter of Your mighty yet gentle hand. In Jesus' precious name, we pray. Amen.

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About the author:

MaryLou Tompkins <bmltompkins@icloud.com>
Lindsay, Ontario, Canada
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