I am on a runaway horse that seems to be out of control. I am riding bareback, grabbing the horse’s mane – not comfortable for him or me. He is definitely male – powerful, with long strides, taking each hurdle as it comes, dashing through rivers, leaping hedges and fences, dodging around (or under) things he can’t jump.

So I am clinging on, ducking and weaving and losing my breath when we soar over a jump. And I would be screaming in terror because I don’t even know how to ride an old-fashioned donkey on the beach …

But …

I am safe. For sitting behind me on this unstoppable horse is one who can control him, guide him and even stop him. The one who lifted me onto him in the first place. He is astride the animal, with his arms around me, holding the reins. I glance down at this hands and am amazed to see they are relaxed. With the slightest twitch, it is he who is guiding the horse – over under, around, to the left or right. Here we slow a little, now we accelerate and the people and scenery flash past. Out of the corner of my eye I see people I know. I glance at them as we thunder on, to see them wave a hand in farewell – and they are gone, left behind as we climb the hill before us.

Will we stop at the top? Will we have a chance to look at the view that will spread out ahead of us? Will we?

It doesn’t matter much. I relax back into the arms that surround me as we race on. I am no longer clinging on. My hands too have relaxed for I am safe in the arms of the one who guides my life.

Jesus.

And as we gallop on at breakneck speed into my future, I know we will get there at the time He has designed, to do what He has planned, to be where He needs me.

Life is a helter-skelter journey – and I am here to enjoy the ride!

All is well, and God is good!