Carousel Ride

Ready yourself, close your eyes, and let the magical carousel ride begin! Do you recall running towards it for the first time? The sound, lights, music, colored horses, and seating all contribute to the ornate atmosphere. These whimsical rides in the menagerie invited you to join in by swirling around and round.

Joyful anticipation swells in your heart as you are near the destination and you await the signal to step onto the platform. At last, it’s your turn as you leap at the chance to take your place on the beautiful carousel ride.

Can you remember the curiosity that overtook your brain, as you were hungry for every minute of what the experience would bring? You would enter a new world of wonder and beauty and whisk away to a place you have never been. Every moment had newness and wonder with attainable excitement attached as you whirled around the carousel ride.

Once upon the platform, you decide where to sit for this novice experience — somehow thinking it had to be perfect, and your placement meant everything. Choices for the best seat overwhelm at first. There is urgency as you notice the slight movement under your feet; you hurry to make this most crucial decision of where to set yourself for the ride of a lifetime.

Does it matter where you are on the ride? Is your place the critical factor, or is it to surrender to what is yet to come? Many things attract us, and we set many things in place before we even experience them; the ride is constantly changing. However, the carousel stays the same throughout time. Sit back and enjoy your journey. The conductor has pulled the lever, and then one spins into a magical memory.

Now imagine this ride is never-ending. You grow as you have begun this adventure as a small child and now see yourself experiencing the different stages of life on this fantastic ride. You find out that everything is available for you to meet your needs. When hungry, food appears. When thirsty, you find water; when tired, you find rest. So this ride is welcoming, and there is no reason or need to get off. Right?

Imagine this ride as an example of your life in your temporary home. Can you recall the emotion of that first Holy Spirit call? You can do it. He whispered your name and asked you to board the ride of belief in Him and into a long-term relationship with your Heavenly Father.

Do you remember the joy and the immense hunger and curiosity? The moment you knew it was forever, did excitement and peace overtake you? Can you call upon the feeling in your heart as you approached His whimsical ride and begged to jump on with Him? If not, I assure you the ride is open and waiting.

This ride is long and tedious as you experience it; you have and will get the knowledge of His plans for you. He loves you, yet we disappoint Him when we do not follow suit. Increased attendance to His message leads to a clearer voice of His Spirit. We distract from the calm and stray the path. But God goes with us through everything, nudging us back on track.

Trust in His love and forgiveness to rediscover immense joy. The Father called out to you, our Lord knows you, and will guide as you seek the knowledge of the word. Allow Him to show you the way. You’re chosen, leaping with faith, and He remains constant. Jesus eagerly awaits your arrival, arms open wide. The only need to experience is surrender. Sounds simple enough. But the inner battle with surrender is real.

God wants very little while He is our provision. Just that we love and honor Him. Doing unto others as He has done for us. Our Father asks that we do this with a joyful heart, patience, perseverance, forgiveness, and humble acknowledgment of Him.

The great news is our imperfections will be used, for He has allowed them. Our trials will be an instrument of strength that can influence others and bring them toward Him. While remaining ever-present and supportive, uplifting, and compassionate. His warmth will place us in a comfortable resting place when we become weary. With His loving and capable arms, this place will be complete and safe.

He will be our only need, our protector, and will never cast us away. You may try to leap and lose your footing as the ride gets faster and faster, but He will steady you.

Try to remember the first day of your ride. Try to throw human imperfection to the wind and allow His Spirit to flow through you as the swift breeze of the carousel lifts your heart. Remember, His love for you remains constant, regardless of your life’s direction. If you are slipping, He knows, and sends you messages of guidance; so be open to His comfort and plan.

Are you saddened by the world outside your window today? Are you afraid? He says, fear not! Have you slipped? Well, that’s okay? Peter denied Him three times, yet He built His Church upon the rock that was Peter. Christ is your living stone, and He will never fail you.

For anyone who believes and lives in Him shall never die. (John 11:25-26, John 5:24) For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)

So, how are you today? How is your carousel ride going? If you have never taken a trip, plan it today. Talk to Him and ask to join. If you are experiencing heavy burdens, go to Him, for He will give you rest. If you are laughing, share your happiness, for He allows your breath to do so.

Never keep this gift to yourself. The ride with Christ is a ride to be shared and experienced. Change is unnecessary before leaping. This ride welcomes everyone as they are. Climb aboard, and embrace the joy of new experiences.

" I looked, and there before me was a white horse! Its rider held a bow, and He was given a crown, and He rode out as a conqueror bent on conquest." Revelation6:2 NIV

I hope to see you on HIS CAROUSEL RIDE.