You take 2 or 4 human beings, put them in super tight spandex-type material, clad their feet with shoes that allow them to run on ice, a helmet on their head and then tell them to push a sled as fast as they can, jump in the sled and then try to be the fastest to the bottom at speeds around 80 mph.
What I didn't mention though is the subject of this post - the start. At the start the men or women get each other pumped up by slapping each other on the back and grunting or yelling at the top of their lungs as if they are the most excited they can possibly be to hurtle their bodies down a slick icy surface at speeds that would make most roller coasters jealous.
After they yell, close the visor on their helmets and grab the sled, they push with all their might and then the driver (the athlete in the lead) jumps into the sled and in what seems like one smooth motion they slide their body into the sled and start steering.
The other athlete(s) then do the same but they don't keep their heads up, in fact they bury their heads in the back(s) of the lead athlete(s) and only help the cause of speed by shifting their weight and by keeping themselves as aerodynamic as possible.
In many ways what I described could apply for my daily walk with God. I should push off with as much enthusiasm as possible, but instead of being the driver, I let God drive the sled for the day and every day.
God, like the drivers of bobsleds knows the course. He knows the turns, he know when things are going to get crazy, when the speed will seem unsafe, when the curves sling you the opposite way you thought you were going.
We should all push off each day with enthusiasm as if this may be our last run down this course, do our part, but then let God lead and do His part. One day we will be right, and it will be our last run. It may be tomorrow, or it may be 70 years from now. One day every one of us will breathe our last.
Now that's easier said than done to live this way, and life never seems to come without a few crashes and without us trying to take over the Driver's seat from the driver that knows the course.
We can also refuse to even get on board, and that's in many ways is so much worse than even trying to take over the driver's seat. At least the one who wrestles to take control, is at least on the ride.
I challenge you and I to always take the ride of life, but let God lead because He knows the way.
Until next time... Please sit on your sandals!
