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Riding the Ferris Wheel of Circumstance

3/6/2020

16 Comments

 
Riding the Ferris Wheel of Circumstance
A Ferris wheel goes round and round. Up to the top you ride feeling the wind in your face and seeing all the sights. To the bottom you go, hearing the giggles of delight and smelling delicious popcorn and cotton candy.

​Just as you really begin to enjoy yourself, you feel it come to a stop. As you exit through the gate, you consider purchasing another ticket because it went by way too quickly.
​
All of that would be true if you love rides and heights. I however, do not. The scene that I just described takes on a totally different tone and emotion for me. 

Sweaty palms, white knuckles, closed eyes, and silent screams are a more accurate account of that scene for me. What makes the difference? ​
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It is All in a Person’s Perspective

​In the past few months, I have found myself riding the Ferris wheel of other people’s emotions and circumstances. Being a mom means I have eleven opportunities (twelve if you count my husband) to ride the ups and downs of each of their days.

​How long each ride lasts, or what I experience has always seemed to rest on the person I happen to listen to at the time. Helplessly strapped in, I feel everything from the thrill of joy and excitement, to nausea and turmoil of a ride that has spun out of control. 
​

What Happens When Your Ticket is Punched Too Many Times

One day last week, my ticket had been punched repeatedly and in rapid succession. I saw the heights of a “B” on a test of a struggling student, to the lows of a middle school daughter who was shunned and left to sit alone during lunch. There was the rush of a name found on the posted team roster, and the heartache of rained out first-of-the-season game. By the time I was finally alone, I felt like I was still spinning round and round like a Ferris wheel.
  • How can I ride along with the people God has given me to love and minister to without being moved to extremes?
  • What can I do to avoid the white knuckles and queasiness of other’s trials but still convey a sense of empathy and compassion?
  • Can I avoid the crash that comes from absorbing all their emotions?
  • What will keep me from screaming, “Stop this ride, I want off!”

The Answer is Perspective

If the ride is smooth and filled with joy, or rocky and cluttered with tears, my experience can remain the same. There are truths that marry both joy and trial. Yes, we will still feel the emotions, but they won’t alter our overall attitude and hope.
Perspective is defined as, “a particular attitude toward or way of regarding something; a point of view.” Couple this definition with Psalm 16:8 which says,
“I have set the Lord always before me because He is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.” ​

My Point of View Should Always Be Set On Christ

When riding along with others highs and lows, my point of view should always be set on Christ. I cannot allow myself to get distracted by the sights and sounds of each rotation or the fears that may accompany them. Keeping Christ, front and center, in the scenery of my mind will remind me that He is over all the upward and descending motion of our days. Not a trip around the wheel is missed or lacking in His sovereign control. So, before I hop into that seat, I better acknowledge His planned purpose and precise appointment. “For such a time as this,” should be my cry.  

We Never Ride Alone

Psalm 16 also reminds me that I don’t ever ride alone. The verse says that He sits at my right hand. Figuratively speaking, Christ purchased the tickets for every ride I will take with His precious blood. His sacrifice not only brought redemption, but it brought His presence and companionship as well. He saw on the cross that day the places He would travel with me, and it didn’t change His perspective about His sacrifice’s worth or responsibility. With a Friend like that at my side, I can weather every hill and valley seated beside others. ​

The last line of this verse is an amazing promise. Because of His purpose and presence, I will not be moved. Even on those never-ending rides that make my stomach churn and my heart race, I can feel as if I am standing still. He is my sure-footed and solid ground. When the wheel won’t stop, I can still find a place of stillness within. I truly can weep with those who weep and rejoice with those who rejoice, not because of my ability, but because of allowing truth to be my perspective.  ​
I don’t think I will ever acquire a love for rides or heights. The thought will probably continue to bring a racing heart and weak knees. However, navigating the Ferris wheel of life and circumstances can be faced with a peace that passes all understanding and a surety of soul when I have the right perspective.
Christine
How do you ride the Ferris wheel of circumstance?
Please Share
16 Comments
Lauren Renee Sparks link
3/8/2020 04:35:57 pm

I love and needed this so much today. And I will be featuring this on the grace and truth link up on Friday. Thanks for this and for linking up.

Reply
Patsy Burnette link
3/4/2021 09:39:36 am

There are some great reminders for us all in this post, Lauren. I needed it too! Thanks so much for the feature and linking up!!!

Reply
Linda Schnepel link
3/9/2020 05:59:11 am

I was amazed to find this! I just wrote a short (very short) story about going to an amusement park with Jesus. I'm working on a longer story, each section featuring one of the rides.I love how you tied the Ferris wheel to circumstances. So true!

Reply
Patsy Burnette link
3/4/2021 09:40:51 am

That sounds like a great series, Linda! Please hop back over here and leave a link! :)

Reply
Beth link
3/9/2020 09:36:09 am

You know, Patsy, I'd much rather ride a roller coaster than a ferris wheel. There's just something about the perspective you have when you're at the top that wheel that scares the living daylights out of me. But a roller coaster, well, I guess it goes so fast I don't have time to think! Lol! But you're right! This is a great metaphor for life. Better to hang on to Jesus and let Him calm my fears and guide me on the ride! Pinning and tweeting, my friend!

Reply
Patsy Burnette link
3/4/2021 09:42:58 am

I am totally a roller coaster kind of girl too, Beth! Either, I guess, would be a great metaphor for life. I LOVE THIS —> "Better to hang on to Jesus and let Him calm my fears and guide me on the ride!" :) Thanks for pinned and tweeting, friend!

Reply
Erin Gram link
3/9/2020 09:50:05 am

I loved this!! I am also not a fan of spinning rides or life for that matter - such a great metaphor! Makes all the difference to walk in step with Christ and to know He never has us ride alone. What a Savior we have!

Reply
Patsy Burnette link
3/4/2021 09:43:52 am

I love that we never ride alone, Erin. So much hope in this post!

Reply
Theresa Boedeker link
3/9/2020 01:30:23 pm

Patsy this was so good. Just a week ago I was on a ferris wheel with two other people. I tend to be a little bit of a white knuckle rider, but this time as it was all encased, and a small child was with me I wanted to brave for, I actually enjoyed the ride a little. Love this analogy about life being a ferris wheel taking us here and there. With God, though, we can navigate the bumps and remain calm. Not letting the emotions of ourself or others whip us into screaming with fear.

Reply
Patsy Burnette link
3/4/2021 09:45:06 am

Funny that you were just on a ferris wheel, Theresa!

Reply
Anita Ojeda link
3/11/2020 11:18:02 am

I've found that I need adequate amounts of quiet time with God in order to have the right perspective to face the day--especially if a lot of people will be part of my day :). I can't imagine having 11 kids!

Reply
Patsy Burnette link
3/4/2021 09:46:21 am

Yeah, me either, Anita. Four was enough to almost put me over the edge. Without Jesus, I'd be there today for sure! LOL

Reply
Maree Dee link
3/11/2020 12:51:10 pm

It is as if a light bulb went off this morning as I read your post. I have been taking on everyone else's ride and I am exhausted. Heading to God in prayer over this. Thank you for sharing with Grace & Truth link-Up.

Maree

Reply
Patsy Burnette link
3/4/2021 09:47:12 am

Awww.... love those little light bulbs, Maree! :)

Reply
Liberty link
4/3/2020 12:05:44 am

I will be featuring this at our Best of the Month link party tomorrow morning. Thank you for sharing!!

Reply
Patsy Burnette link
3/4/2021 09:47:49 am

Thank you so much, Liberty!!!

Reply

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