Making Me Ride

So here goes again... this time I figured I needed to get this thought down someplace before I lost its depth.

We went to Hershey Park last week for Christian Music Day. Actually, we went because the $46 tickets were $28! What a deal... of course, it was Wilmington Trust employee appreciation day too, so the lines were HUGE! Maybe I've just outgrown the amusement park... I don't know.

What I do know is that I love the minute long thrill of some of these new roller coasters! In particular, the Storm Runner! WHOA!

Anyway, I'm rambling... my son, who is nine, has recently gained some nerve and joined the ranks of us coaster enthusiasts. Slow as this was to come, he now picks and chooses which beast he is going to strap into and brave. There is probably no real logic behind which he approves and which he deems as "unsafe" nevertheless it happens, at the least opportune time (at least by my account), usually just after everyone else has made the decision to ride said "unsafe" coaster. Being that he's nine it's not like we can just say, "sorry dude, catch you in an hour or so at the exit". No, he has to wait in line with us. You know what happens when it's time to ride... right?

Picture this...

Dad: "Alright, get in... it's going to be fine, you'll love it."
Son: "No way! I'm not going on this."
Dad: "You have to, it's not like I'm going to leave you here alone... come on, you'll love it."
Son: "I don't want to, don't make me do this..."
Dad: "You're getting on. You'll love it. Stop your whining (great parenting!).
Then, the statement that keeps ringing in my ears...
Son: "I can't believe you're going to make me do something I don't want to do."

"I can't believe you're going to make me do something I don't want to do."

For the record, he got on the ride (because I'm the heartless dad) and lives to tell about how much fun it was to go forward and backward through the loops like that... how it was "no big deal." Who'd have thought?!

I don't want to do this, or that. I'm afraid. I'm a little nervous. I'm sure it's not a good thing... Here I stand at the Yellow Line (behind it, mind you) waiting for the next step, for the gate to open, for my turn to ride... but I'm really not too thrilled about it. I mean, "God, you're not going to make me do something I don't really want to do, right?!"

I don't think God forces us to do anything... Something about giving us a Free Will. So, often I think He lets us just keep riding the same ride, over and over, until we become so totally bored out of our minds we either give up riding all together or muster the nerve (or submit to Him in obedience) to get on the next one. Amazing as it is... every time... getting on, strapping in, and riding it for all it's worth proves to be the best decision.

"Lord, forgive me for the times I'm too afraid to ride, too afraid to trust your will. Move me, by your Spirit to do the things you desire for me, even when I'm the least bit hesitant." amen.