Have you ever heard the phrase, “life is a roller coaster?” To a very small group of people, you might nod your head no and raise an eyebrow in confusion. However, for most people, not only have you heard that saying before but you have probably said it yourself too! Life IS a rollercoaster and especially in college, we feel that.

College seems to be filled with ups and downs ALL the time, but this is normal. It is not fun, but it is normal. If you feel this way, you are not alone.

I realized recently I have become immune to this roller coaster. My life is the ride, I am strapped in, but I have no reaction to any of the twists, turns, or drops.

I have become immune to the idea that my life goes through really high highs and sometimes, pretty low-lows.

While this may seem ideal with the thought, “that’s awesome! If you become immune to the roller coaster of life, you don’t feel the pain of the super low-lows.”

This part is true, but not riding the roller coaster keeps you from feeling the joy of the super high-highs.

Although it may be hard, we must live and breathe into both the pits and the peaches of life. As children of Christ, we are equipped with the power and strength to feel all the world throws our way through the power of Jesus being at our right hand.

“For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.” – Isaiah 41:13

The Lord will not put you through anything you cannot handle.

Through embracing these highs and lows, we are able to learn, to grow, to love, and to appreciate.

It is in these times we gain perspective on life (whether this means we appreciate what seemed mundane when going through a rough patch or appreciating every moment of each joyful and precious moment we are able to flourish in).

Life can be a wild, wild ride, but I encourage you to get in the front row, strap yourself in, and throw your hands up to the wind in praise of Him who will keep you on the coaster tracks. The ride can be wonderful, the ride can be scary, but it is one that has something beautiful behind every turn.

“To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven:…a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance.” – Ecclesiastes 3:1-4

Written by: Kaylee Richards