The Ups and Downs of Six Flags

This past Tuesday the youth group spent a day at Six Flags in Arlington, TX.  What a great day!  Yes, it was hot (102), but the lines were short and the rides were amazing.  Isn't it funny how excited teenagers get about riding roller coasters?  They literally have to "psych" themselves up to get in line for a coaster that will throw them down a hill so steep they lose their breath, turn so sharp that it pins them against the side of the seat, go so fast it causes their eyes to water.  And, as soon as it is over...they get in line again.  As if to say, "More, more, let me feel the ups and down and twists and turns again.  Do it again! do it again!"

Wouldn't it be great if we could approach life that way?  James chapter 1 say, "Count it all joy when you fall into divers temptations."  In other words, be excited, be thrilled, be joyful with the ups and downs of life.  Live with anticipation of the first hill, because it is always the biggest, and when life take a sharp turn and you feel pinned against the seat...smile.  These are the thrills of life.  Count it all joy!  Too many times we live life with our eyes closed in fear, and we miss out on the experience.  "And, we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose."  Open your eyes..."For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."