A Different View

"Do you want to ride with the top down?"
     "No, it's too cold."

"Do you want to ride with the top down?" 

   "No, I don't have a hat or anything to put on my head. I have to be somewhere later."

"Do you want to ride with the top down?"

   "No, I'm fine. We're almost home."

For months my husband had been trying to introduce me to the joys of owning a convertible. It wasn't a new model, but it was new to him and he was excited. We'd always enjoyed our late afternoon rides together but every time he asked if I wanted to ride with the top down I'd have an excuse and say no.

But one spring evening that changed . . .

As we left his parent's home we noticed the sky dotted with colorful lanterns suspended in the early evening. With a glance from him and a nod from me we headed off in the direction towards the hot air balloons in the distance. Approaching the balloons my husband once again asked, "Do you want to ride with the top down?" This time my reply was "Yes!"

The endless blue evening sky was beautiful and as my husband drove through the countryside following the balloons I enjoyed the sights, sounds, and smells of being outside with an unlimited view. We've had hot air balloon festivals in our area for years and spent many hours at daybreak and dusk chasing these graceful objects but, I'd never been able to enjoy them to this extent. Not only could we hear the whoooosh of the propane being released into the balloons, but we could ride directly under them and even wave at the pilots swaying in their wicker baskets.



I realized how my limited view could become unlimited when I agreed to step out of my comfort zone.



We followed the balloons throughout the countryside along winding roads, past farm houses, and through wooded areas. There were times when I'd hear the whoooosh before I'd see the balloon as it appeared over the treetops.

Oh, what I'd have missed if I hadn't agreed to get out of my comfort zone and ride with the top down.

Since that peaceful evening in May I've thought about the times I've said NO to the small voice that would ask me to step out of my comfort zone.

How many adventures with God have I missed?

I know there're times when God wants to show me so much more, but I limit my view because I say no and won't follow His lead. 

Maybe He wants to:

• Give me a totally different view of a problem, circumstance, or situation.  

• Expand my horizons and let me see He has so much more for me. 

• Let me experience things that'd be impossible unless I "ride with the top down."

Whatever God has in store for me I want to experience it and see it from a different view
—His viewpoint.

I want to step out of my comfort zone that limits  

and live the abundant life God has for me. 

"I came that they may have life and have it abundantly" (John 10:10 ESV). 

In These Chairs

What would we talk about, sitting in these chairs?

Would I share my heart of deep longings and dreams, or 

what's stressing me out and causing me to ravel at the seams.

Would I tell you I'm happy and content with my life, or

that I sometimes want to quit and no longer fight the good fight.

Would I giggle and laugh telling stories you already know, or

would I grumble and complain letting my negative words flow.


I don't know, but . . .

I hope I would first thank You for Your love,
the love that caused You to leave Your home far above.


I hope I would tell You I'm sorry for wasted words and deeds,
deeds that could have been used to help others be free.


I hope I would cry tears of joy and thanksgiving,
for because of You I can have a life of abundant living.


There's so much I would want to take time to ask You 
as our voices glide over the water so blue.


But most of all I think I would want to slip out of my chair,
and sit at Your feet with Your hand laying gently on my hair.


For at your feet, head resting in your lap 
is where I would rather be,
For I know after being in Your presence, it's ALL about You, 
and not about me.


What would you talk about, sitting in these chairs?


"You make known to me the path of life;
 in Your presence there is fullness of joy; . . ." (Psa. 16:11). Click to Tweet