Vivian Green has a song “Emotional Rollercoaster”, which is a ballad about the ups and downs of a relationship. The reality is, that song could be about life in general, even more so than relationships. Good Days, Bad Days… Ups, Downs, twists and turns, and more! Just like an actual roller coaster ride at an amusement park, at times it will feel like you are completely out of control and your life is spiraling or free falling. It’s at those moments when your foundation or “base” is critical.
A Strong Foundation
I was recently talking to my youngest princess and she asked, “Daddy do you like roller coasters?” And what used to be a quick response like “absolutely!”, turned into a pause and a least confident “yeah!” Truth is, I think the last roller coaster ride I was on was about five years ago at that big park in Orlando, FL. Since then, they’ve created many new rides with more twists and turns, more drops, and such, which is why I hesitated a bit. When I thought about that conversation later that day, I laughed and sort of admonished myself for the hesitancy and said “it’s a roller coaster, you take a firm seat, strap in, and hold on for the ride!”. And it hit me; that’s just it – the firm seat, strapping in and holding on is the foundation. In fact, it’s a strong foundation for getting through the ups and downs of the roller coaster.
So figuratively speaking we know what the foundation refers to, but let’s talk about what literally comprises a strong foundation:
- Spiritual Center – In those times where we feel our lives are free-falling or spiraling out of or control; or even if there are simply more downs than ups, it’s important to know and believe that there is a higher and greater power behind you. It’s at times of trouble and discontent that knowing “All can do all things, through Christ which strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13), helps you know your struggles are only temporary.
- Personal Conviction – Far too often, people are easily swayed by others. When you’re facing the ups and downs of life, you need a core set of principles and values that define who you are. Courage, Perseverance, Patience, Honesty, Loyalty, etc.
- Faith – Simply put, you must have faith to know that you’ve been through storms and ups and downs before and won, and you can do it again. As I’ve said before; fear will paralyze you.
The bottom line is when life takes you through changes or turns your world upside down; you better be strapped in and brace yourself if you want to hold on and get through the rough ride!