Life is Like A Ferris Wheel

I snapped this night shot of the Ferris Wheel at Navy Pier in Chicago over the weekend. I think that Ferris Wheels are very beautiful especially at night, but I would not dare to ride one. I am terrified of heights.

It may sound weird but life is kind of like a ride on a Ferris Wheel. Before the ride starts, we find ourselves at the bottom of the wheel not able to see much but the ground and the carts ahead of and behind us.

As as the ride begins, slowly we begin to rise up, we start to be able to see past the ground level. The carts ahead of us no longer impede our view. We don't even notice the carts behind us anymore. And why would we? There is so much to see as we look out. As we climb, ever-so- slowly, we see things we would never be able to see at the ground level. We are rising above it all, getting a bird's eye view of the scenery. As we reach the top of the wheel we can see for miles in all directions. Then, slowly we descend again to the ground. Our all encompassing view becomes impeded with each moment. Finally, we reach the ground exhilarated by the view. Wanting for more.

Riding a Ferris Wheel is like those times in our life when we can't see anything but the here and now, the tasks ahead of us, reminders of our past mistakes. We long to move forward, onward and upward, to see past the hardships, the hurts, the never ending responsibilities. We wait with hopeful anticipation of better days. It may take days, months or even years, yet we wait.

Then the ascent begins. We find that we can see past the obstacles blocking our view of what lies ahead in our life journey. We find ourselves looking at the here and now, but seeing the horizon rise up before us. We realize that there is a much bigger picture. We find clarity in the 360 degree view, even if it is momentary. Just that glimpse gives us hope for the future, peace with our past, and joy for the present. The descent is now full of understanding, full of anticipation, alive with possibilities. Even when we reach the ground again, we know that the only way to go again is up.

In Jeremiah 29:11 God says, "For I know the plans that I have for you. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future."

Hugs,

Melissa