visiting an amusement park...
an unconventional place to look for God...
During the school year, I spend most Friday mornings on a walk with God in nature. This rhythm shifts when my kids come home for the summer. But last Friday, I found myself alone at Kings Island, our local amusement park. I brought both of my kids, and a couple of friends each, and they quickly left me behind.
It wasn’t my typical place to be alone with God, but I decided to treat it like a retreat morning and I began to wonder: God, where might I see you at the amusement park?
I saw Him in creativity. The rides and the shows, the created experiences that bring joy and inspire adventure.
I saw Him in community. In friends and families gathered, connecting over a shared experience, bonding through joy and conquered fears.
I saw Him in the growth of my kids. Their willingness (and zeal!) to try new things, navigate the park on their own, and learning to navigate their own relationships and friendships.
But mostly, what came to mind was the word practice.
An amusement park, for those of us who tend to box ourselves in and choose the safe route, is a place to practice courage, adventure, and stretching our limits. To try new things, in a safe space. It’s exposing yourself to what scares you a little bit, so that when you face it the next time, you’re a little bit more courageous. A ride might feel terrifying before you try it, but with repetition, with practice, it becomes familiar. And even if you don’t grow to love it, you can do it more easily and eagerly.
And maybe willingly putting yourself in a place where you must practice courage helps prepare you to face the hard things of life, so that you might step forward a bit more bravely, knowing what it feels like to do something, even if it’s hard and scary, and make it through.
After all of this reflecting with God, I felt inspired to take a brave step myself. I had one ride left on my scary ride list. One big ride in the park that I hadn’t yet conquered.
So I walked to the Drop Tower and got in line. And I waited and watched. When it was my turn, I strapped myself in, was raised 315 in the air, and waited in anxious anticipation to suddenly drop. And then I screamed when we did. But I survived. And I’ve ridden it twice more since then. And each time, it’s gotten easier. Knowing what to expect. Knowing I’ll be fine.
Visiting an amusement park was an unconventional practice. A different place to look for God. But now I’m wondering, where else might I see Him this summer? With shifting rhythms and routines, I’m looking forward to finding Him wherever I find myself, because He’s surely in it all.
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And may you encounter the God who loves you as you make space in your schedule and your soul!
I love this so much!