As a child, one of the things we would look forward at the end of every summer was the county fair. Having the second largest fair in the state of Michigan brought many great rides, games, entertainment, and food.
There was one ride that stood out among the rest; the double Ferris wheel. It stood far and above all the other rides and, when both wheels were turning at the same time, it was a site to behold. I didn’t find the courage to take a ride on it until I was nearly ten or twelve years-old. When I did, I saw the whole fair from high above and it was spectacular! It could also be a bit frightening when the wheel would stop turning at the top and you were left two hundred feet in the air being held down to a slippery seat by only a metal bar. Those were the days…
Today, most of those double Ferris wheels are gone for safety reasons. They’ve been replaced by more modern ones with glass enclosed seats. The principle is still the same as it was then; getting high above everything and enjoying the view. Coming down, there was always a sense of sadness that we couldn’t stay up there longer (well, for those who were afraid of heights, they were glad to be back on the ground).
In some ways, life can be like a Ferris wheel at times. We long for the high moments while waiting for what seems to be years for them to happen again. Then, when they do, the momentary euphoria ends quickly bringing us back down to earth only to start the process all over again.
For some, every day can be like that Ferris Wheel ride going from lows to highs back down to lows again in just a matter of a few hours. The emotional ups and downs seem more like a roller coaster than a Ferris wheel.
The reality is that we can’t be at the top all the time. Life is full of challenges, hardships, and monotony. But, when those high moments do come, it’s worth taking the time to slow down and enjoy the moment. It’s one of the reasons I love photography. Because it can capture those high moments and allow us to relive them again.
You may still be waiting in line after what seems to be an eternity for the ride back to the top. It may seem like Disneyland; every time you feel closer in line, you get turned around and go back the way you came.
Be encouraged tonight. Even if you’re not riding at the top of life's Ferris wheel, remember that those times may come again when we least expect them. It may be a random acquaintance that turns into a lifelong friendship. It may be a stranger who helps us through a difficulty that lifts our spirits and hopes back to where they need to be. And, not to mention that our time at the bottom will only make us stronger and help us to appreciate the high moments even more.
I’ll sign-off tonight with something one of my family members recently stated so well, ‘The bad news is nothing in life lasts forever. The good news is, nothing in life lasts forever’…
Love always,
Brad
