We all love a little mystery in our lives.  There is something “romantic” about anticipating elements of the unknown.  It wakes us up from the potential boredom of the ordinary day.  It keeps us on our toes and makes us wonder.

Think of a great mystery novel you’ve read, or  an intense mystery movie that you’ve watched.  Edge of the seat, page turning type stuff.  It keeps our attention and draws us in to find out what will happen next.  Sometimes we will see hints of what the outcome will be, but sometimes there are twists and things turn out completely different than we anticipated.  But in the end, we are a little sad when the last page is read or the credits start rolling.  We loved the exciting ride of not knowing exactly what was around the corner.

Roller coasters – same thing.  The ups and downs and all arounds.  Part of us is afraid and apprehensive, but the ride is thrilling and we don’t want it to end.  When our cart rolls to a stop, we jump back in line to experience it once more.

Sometimes we wish we had a crystal ball to look into to see the future.  But is that really what we want?  Do we really want to know everything that lies ahead?  The exhilarating highs and the devastating lows?  The people we will meet and the situations we will encounter?

What if we approached life the same way we approach that book or that movie or that roller coaster?  In excited anticipation, turning each page, sitting on the edge of our seats, arms in the air, ready and willing to see where each day will take us and what each moment will offer!  If we know and love the Author of the book, the Director of the movie and the Architect who built the roller coaster, we can rest assured that every twist and turn will take us exactly where we were meant to be.

Fear can make us want to close the book or skip pages to the end, turn off the movie or fast forward to the next scene, or get off the ride because we can’t see the future.  But we can trust the One who can.

I want to enjoy the mystery that each day brings.  I want to live and love with abandon because I know Who holds me and my future in His hand.  Come and read and watch and ride with me?

Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Psalm 46:1-3, 10-11 –

1 God is our refuge and strength, 
   an ever-present help in trouble. 
² Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way 
   and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, 
³ though its waters roar and foam 
   and the mountains quake with their surging.

He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; 
   I will be exalted among the nations, 
   I will be exalted in the earth.”

 ¹¹ The LORD Almighty is with us; 
   the God of Jacob is our fortress.