This summer has been crazy.
So many friends and family have had life changing events happen this summer. Although not nearly to the extent that they each have been impacted, it has impacted my life as well because they are so very close to me.
It feels like I am riding a roller coaster and have been on the very long uphill climb. I keep anticipating that I will be at the top and the fun will begin when I finally go over the peak. That point where the wind is blowing through my hair and feel like I can just let go, scream like a kid and enjoy the ride (ok, th
at may only be true for true roller coaster fans, but you get the idea).
The uphillclimb brings anticipation, the downhill brings exhilaration. But you need both to enjoy the ride. The hills and valleys are what make the roller coaster memorable. Can you even imagine what a roller coaster ride would be like without the hills and valleys, twists and turns?
This summer has been the hill. The climb. Every click and clack of the roller coaster taking me inches closer to the top. In life, the anticipation of what is over the hill can be stressful. It is like I’m sitting in the last car and I can’t see how close we are to the top. I just have to hold on and trust that I am almost there.
I find it very difficult when going up the hill to anticipate the other side. I realize that I have been holding my breath. Waiting for the next click. As I think back on everything that has happened this summer, I need to exhale and open my eyes.
With my eyes wide open, from the top of the hill I can see the beautiful landscape below. I can’t look back down the same side of the hill I just came up. I must look at the beauty around and keep my eyes on the joy ahead.
It is time for me to start applying that principle in my daily living. As school starts later this month for my youngest daughter’s senior year of high school, there will be lots of hills and valleys, twists and turns. The roller coaster will be a great ride.
It is time I sit back, know that God is my safety belt, and enjoy the ride.
Will there be some screaming along the way? Absolutely. Will there be some fear along the way? Of course. When the ride is over, will I want to find the next roller coaster to conquer? Without a doubt!
photo credit: Twins via photopin (license)
photo credit: Open Eye – Lizzy Builta
As someone who gets sick riding roller coasters, I appreciate the analogy! The hills can make you sick, but the ride to the valley makes up for it!