The Coaster

Pavilion Amusement Park - Myrtle Beach - Days Gone By

​I started out wanting to write to and about all of you moms and grandmas out there in that it’s May, and Mother’s Day is right around the corner. Now in order to do the subject justice, I felt I needed to get into the role. So I sat down at the keyboard and asked myself, “What is it like to be a mother?” After spending an hour or so casting about for an answer, I have to admit that, “I have no idea.” There are some things that you just have to experience for yourself, and in that I am not maternal material, I am at a bit of a loss; but I do remember something that Mary said earlier in the evening that could be a good springboard for this article. She said that motherhood is like being on a roller coaster.

I like roller coasters. When I was a bit younger I loved to ride them, especially the ones that turn you upside down and inside out. You know the ones that make you think that you just might end up in the next county if you let go. So you let go anyway just to see what happens.

I even like the old wooden coasters that shake, rattle and roll you `til your head spins; Old Thunder Road used to be a thrill to ride until they took it down.

I’ve been sitting here trying to figure out exactly what Mary meant, and I think I might have a bit of a handle on it. I know this much, once you strap yourself into a roller coaster and that bugger starts heading up the hill, you’re committed. In truth that is the only part of a roller coaster ride that makes me nervous. I suppose its anticipation mixed with fear that unnerves me because I know without a doubt that things are about to get crazy.

The slow grind of the chains sound a bit ominous as you ascend to the top. Then after what seems like hours, the apex is finally achieved; the chains fall away; and for a just a moment, an almost imperceptible moment, there is an expectant stillness. Then with a rush the wind hits you, the sensation of extreme speed grips you and then comes the uncomfortable realization that you are riding a wave that you can’t stop. You are out of control. You have become part of the roller-coaster, and you have very little to say as to where it goes. Your only option is to hang on for dear life, and do your best to enjoy the ride.

You pray endlessly as the thing tosses and turns you. One minute you’re looking at the sky and the next, the ground rushes at you at an alarming speed. On the outside of the wilder corners you feel like you just might be flung into space and lost, but thank God, gravity and inertia hold you tight.

Then just as quickly as it started, you feel a lurch as the brakes are applied, and as the car slows down an odd sense of disappointment and a strange deep felt sadness that it’s over embraces you.

I am not a Mom. I’m a Dad; but I have watched, and I have to say that being a mother must be one of the most frightening, heart wrenching, and rewarding jobs in the universe. I know that often you have to feel out of control for yourself and frightened for your children. You don’t show it. You feel it, but frightened you are. The task that has been placed upon your shoulders of raising children in the way they should go is one of the most daunting and the most important jobs given by God.

I can only imagine the churning within your spirit as you strive to give strength, stability and love to those under your charge. From time to time I have no doubt that you feel as if you might be flung into space and lost.

​At times such as these, remember that you have a God, a Savior, who strengthens and understands. Rely upon Him and He will strengthen, guide and protect you. Then when the time comes to relinquish your charges into God’s protection, He will hold you close and comfort you in your sorrow; and in time He may bless you with grandchildren. Then you and they can go play at the water-park. 
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Happy Mother’s Day
Love, Pastor Tony.  
  
    
 
 
 

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