One week ago today, I had my last “retreat” day at Kings Island. My kids started school on Wednesday and today I will reinstitute my Friday morning mini-retreats in nature. But for now, I’m reflecting on that last day at the amusement park and what it might mean for this new year ahead.
As I sat beneath Diamondback in prayer (in a lovely hidden spot my friend Maureen showed me with Adirondack chairs overlooking the water beneath the roller coaster), as I watched the train go up and down, a thought popped into my head:
Hands up, eyes open.
It’s what the riders were doing. At least the ones who seemed to enjoy themselves most. Their hands were up and their eyes were open.
This summer I rode more roller coasters and rides than I have in probably the past 20 years combined. I made an intentional choice to conquer some fears and say yes to more.
But the truth is, on rides that scare me, I often close my eyes. And you will rarely see me with my hands in the air. I’m more likely gripping the restraints tightly.
Those words that popped into my head (hands up, eyes open) felt like an invitation. And not just for riding roller coasters, but for life, for the next season ahead.
If I look at my life, I’m often avoiding or ignoring what’s hard, my eyes closed. I’m often gripping tightly to plans and control and my own way.
But as I head into a new school year which brings transition and new space to fill and curiosity about what’s ahead, this invitation for hands up and open eyes feels worth paying attention to.
Hands up: Release control. Hold plans and ideas loosely. Trust God is holding me, not my own tight grip.
Eyes open: Notice my feelings. Face what’s hard or scary. Stop hiding or pretending or ignoring. Notice the people around me. Notice the invitations and opportunities. Notice God and his movement.
This summer, I’ve been extremely thankful for the amusement park. For the ways I’ve seen God there, the ways he’s spoken to me in it, and the growth in me because of it. And this school year, I look forward to taking those things with me into the next season.
Hands up, eyes open.
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And may you encounter the God who loves you as you make space in your schedule and your soul!