The Waterslide Journey

I’ve always loved a good waterslide.

The first one I remember riding was the big green tube slide in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. After a long wait—feet on warm wood, sunshine on my shoulders—it was finally time to approach the roaring tunnel that would carry me to the splash below. Sitting down, waiting for the lifeguard’s “Go!”, anticipation built in my chest. That first time, I was nervous—would I make it to the bottom? Would I end up with water up my nose?

But once I let go, the exhilarating rush of twists, turns, splashes, and the final dunk was unforgettable.

So how do waterslides reflect our walk with the Lord?

Each of us is on our own ride. Maybe you’re at the top of a new season, standing on the deck with anticipation. Maybe you’re already in motion, coasting through unexpected twists, unsure what’s around the next curve. Or maybe you’re approaching the final dunk—coming to the end of one chapter and about to emerge into something new.

The truth is, with the Lord, there’s never just one “ride”. Life with Him is made of many seasons and transitions. Some thrilling, some bumpy, some unknown—but all within His loving plan.

📣 Don’t Miss This!

Many of my readers don’t realize I also host a live talk series called Porch Talks.
It’s a cozy, real-time gathering where we share faith, encouragement, and stories—live from my heart to yours.

Next one:
🪑 Thursday, July 3rd at 7 PM (Mountain Time)
📍 Streaming on my YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@melanietalevski
👉 Come join us — bring your iced tea and heart ready for God’s gentle leading.

📖 Back to our encouragement…

Where do you find yourself today?

• Are you waiting for your next slide?
  You’ve done this before. You know it’s good. But the waiting can be hard. If you’re still out on the wooden deck, take heart: God’s timing is never wrong. I’ve never seen Him be late—though I’ve often thought He was. But when His timing is revealed, it’s always perfect, better than anything I could’ve planned.

“The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him.” (Lamentations 3:25)

• Maybe you’re already seated, waiting for the “Go!” from the lifeguard.
  That bubbling mix of excitement and anxiety rises—will the slide hold you? Will you make it through in one piece? If that’s where you are, remember this:

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5–6)

“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.” (Psalm 56:3)

And cling to this promise:

• Maybe you’re in the middle of the ride—the wild part.
  The twists and turns. This is when it’s tempting to tense up. But have you ever tried to white-knuckle your way through a waterslide? It’s no fun. The bumps feel bumpier. The ride rougher. Friend, lean back. Laugh. Shout if you need to. He is carrying you. You can trust Him.

“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4)

“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” (Isaiah 26:3)

• Or maybe you’re in the final dunk.
  You shoot out of the slide and plunge into the water—safe, free, full of joy. You made it. That’s a time to celebrate! Our family did this just last month as our oldest graduated from high school. That was a long, beautiful “slide,” and now we thank God for His faithfulness. And we look ahead with hope for the next one.

Wherever you are on the slide—waiting, launching, twisting, or arriving—know this: God is with you. He designed the slide. He knows the course. And He’ll carry you safely to exactly where you’re meant to be.

Life with Him isn’t just a task; it’s an adventure.

So let’s trust Him. Let’s celebrate with Him. Whatever comes next, He is the expert, He is beside you, and He is good.

To close, one of my favorite C.S. Lewis quotes comes to mind. When asked if Aslan (the lion who represents Jesus in The Chronicles of Narnia) is safe, the reply is:

Your season may not feel tame. It may not feel predictable. But it is good—because your Savior is good. And He is journeying with you through it all.

My prayer for you:

Lord, you have ordained our days and the plans you have for us.
For those beginning a new season, waiting on the deck, give peace in the waiting.
For those poised to go, steady our hearts with trust.
For those mid-slide, in the twists and turns, help us release our grip and rest in your peace.
For those arriving at the end of a chapter, fill us with joy and celebration for your faithfulness.
We love you, Father. We trust you. Guide us safely into each season you have planned.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Until next time,

P.S. I’d love to have a discussion with you: what’s your favorite water experience? Jet-skiing? The Great Outdoors Swim Park? Water World? Boat ride on the river?