I am not a rollercoaster “fan”. Two things come to mind. One, I am getting old, and secondly, I have equilibrium that is as stable as the ocean at Johnsons Beach. When I would go to the state fair as a kid, ferris wheels and really most rides, made me dizzy and sometimes sick. The ups and downs of rollercoasters are ok for a few climbs and dives, but after about 5 or 6, I’m ready to get off.

Life seems like a rollercoaster these days for many of us. I heard someone say today, “I’ll be glad when life gets back to normal”, to which the person spoken to said, “What is normal?” I wish I knew these days. I was zooming with someone today and I expressed my bewilderment to this season of life. What in the world is going on and why is there so much on all our plates?

Lexi and I have a song we like to sing that reminds me of those rollercoaster moments. It also reminds me of how life goes. It’s a song called Hills and Valleys. The words to it go like this:

I’ve walked among the shadows
You wiped my tears away
And I’ve felt the pain of heartbreak
And I’ve seen the brighter days
And I’ve prayed prayers to heaven
From my lowest place
And I have held Your blessings
God, You give and take away

No matter what I have, Your grace is enough
No matter where I am, I’m standing in Your love

On the mountains I will bow my life
To the One who set me there
In the valley I will lift my eyes
To the One who sees me there
When I’m standing on the mountain
I didn’t get there on my own
When I’m walking through the valley
I know I am not alone!
You’re the God of the hills and valleys
Hills and valleys
God of the hills and valleys
And I am not alone.

I’ve watched my dreams get broken
In You I hope again
No matter what I know
I’m safe inside Your hands

Father, You give and take away
Every joy and every pain
Through it all You will remain
Over it all
Father, You give and take away
Every joy and every pain
Through it all You will remain
Over it all
On the mountains I will bow my life, yeah
In the valley I will lift my eyes!

On the roller coaster of life, lift up your eyes to the hills to where our help comes from. We are not alone. God is with us! Be encouraged!

Love ya’ll,

Pastor Tim