Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Roller Coaster Life Lesson

At 2-years-old, Pumpkin rode her first kiddie roller coaster with me. She squealed in delight. I screamed in fear. Even then, her excitement grew at the sight of speeding, looping, twisting cars of terror on giant rides.

Despite my attempts to explain my disdain for roller coasters, her determination to get me on one never weakens. While discussing plans to visit an amusement park this summer, Pumpkin, 4-years-old now, clapped her hands and declared, "Mommy and I will ride a roller coaster."

Me, "Oh, I don't think Mommy will ride a roller coaster."

Pumpkin, "Mommy, it's okay. I will be right beside you."

Me, "Thank you, but you know Mommy doesn't like roller coasters. Why do you think you want to ride a roller coaster but Mommy is scared?"

Pumpkin, "Because it is fun. You just don't know how fun it will be."

Me, "It does not look fun to me. It looks frightening."

Pumpkin took my hand and looked me right in the eyes, "Mommy, I will hold you hand. You'll be okay. It will be soooo fun."

Another life lesson from my little one. Aren't situations more frightening when we focus on our fear? Doesn't someone beside us, holding our hand, calm our fears?

For I hold you by your right hand - I, the Lord your God. And I
say to you, ‘Don’t be afraid. I am here to help you.' Isaiah 41:13 (NLT)

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3 comments:

Amy L Brooke said...

This is so precious! She is very wise.

Sonya Lee Thompson said...

Hi Michelle,
I found your site through Lysa's. I am so excited about the upcoming She Speaks Conference. I hope to meet you tehre.

This was a sweet post, but I still wouldn't get on that roller coaster!

Starr LaPradd said...

It is amazing how much wisdom our kids have! Sometimes I think mine are smarter than me! I guess we all need to view life from the eyes of a child every now and then. We'd probably not miss near as many blessings and miracles! Thanks for sharing.