A theme-park nearby recently celebrated a major anniversary. To mark the occasion they decided to celebrate by trying to get a record in Guinness. This wasn’t going to be something normal, traditional, or easily repeatable. They wanted to do something special. One hundred participants became part of something that they will remember for the rest of their lives. The news release was quite candid as were the pictures in the papers the following day.
“Baring and braving all on one of the world’s most intense rides – the suspended, steel, Nemesis Inferno – students experienced an exhilarating thrill to remember. With their legs [and more] dangling free, the riders swooped through over 750 meters of suspended track, turned through gravity-defying 360 degree loops, plunged from soaring heights to dreadful depths, all at speeds of up to 77km and G-Forces of up to 4.5.”
Some of those interviewed admitted that they had told their friends and parents they were going to the part for an early morning ride but candidly admitted that they had left out of few details including the one of riding the Inferno in their birthday suits.
I found myself realizing that those who participated were great examples of what it means to really live with hope, as least metaphorically! Life is about living out on the edge, experiencing life-defying loops, plunges, and speeds. Life is about risking everything to do the right things at the right time. Life is about being open, bearing all to those who are with you on the journey. Far too many times I find myself in with the masses trying to play it safe.
In a rather candid story, John records Jesus’ thoughts. “When Jesus looked out and saw that a large crowd had arrived, he said to Philip, ‘Where can we buy bread to feed these people?’ He said this to stretch Philip's faith. He already knew what he was going to do.” (John 6.5, 6)
When challenges come, there is going to be no playing it safe and comfortable for me. I want to be on God’s ride!
