What we didn’t know was that this park had a Lazy 
Crazy River, lazy serenity alternating with crazy confusion. We were dunked by a ginormous bucket that, once filled, tipped over spilling tons of water on unsuspecting floaters. A few minutes later, we were under attack by watershooters above us who found it entertaining to be gunning down perfectly innocent strangers. Around a bend, relative safety was lost completely by exploding underwater mines followed by powerful streams of water spurting out from above, below, left and right.
.
Once we recovered, Lauren and I ventured back into the River, this time sharply aware of the potential pitfalls. Cathy though, spent her time safely ashore not interested in risking the turmoil the River.
Hmmm…. Kinda sounds like life.
I long to float through life peacefully unhindered, don’t you? Then one day, it happens – a diagnosis, a phone call, a pink slip, [insert your tribulation] and our serenity is shattered. We may feel like we’re drowning or under attack. Dangers lurk everywhere, no end in sight, no place to turn.
But we have a choice. We can retreat to the sidelines of life, watching others in the race.
Or we can stay in the fray, hopefully a little wiser, a bit better prepared. And know that with the struggle will come a strength and a joy that we would not have were it not for that very struggle.
Consider it pure joy, my brothers (and sisters!), whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. Jms. 1:2-4
In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 1 Peter 1:6-7
Are you in a crazy river right now? How can I pray for you, my friend?
Hi Susan,
Your posts are great. I read them all the time.
Love Donna
Wow! What a crazy ride! Life does feel like that sometimes, doesn't it? Loved your post!
My crazy river is due in part to overcommitment. I'm learning:) Trusting the Lord always to find the right balance for everything.
Blessings,
Karen
Hi Susan –
I've been in that lazy, crazy river for over seven years. Like you and Lauren, I'm on the lookout, but enjoying the ride.
Blessings,
Susan 🙂
You must stop by my blog for a visit, Susan. I thought of you so much but we were not in New York for very long … not nearly long enough.
I love this post.
Miss you!
Cheri
Loved the message!!!!
wow a lazy crazy river ride.. that is not a good thing if you have a water phobia to begin with
I love that verse. I know when our trials started three years ago, I wanted to jump out of the river and stay close to the edge but little by little we put our feet back in and then last fall jumped in ready to go at it again. Your example was perfect.
But I still prefer the lazy river here in Fl:))