I look at her surprised when she says ‘no’ to riding the roller coaster. After all, she flies on her bike, hangs like a monkey off her swing set, and generally prefers being upside down instead of right side up. She loves adventure, activity, and anything that involves lots of movement.
But then again, I don’t super love those twisty-bendy-my-stomach-has-now-exited-my-body good time mobiles myself. I will ride them so I’m not a fuddy duddy mama. And as long as I don’t feel like throwing up at the end, I usually have fun doing so. But I’ve ridden many more as a grown-up than I ever did as a kid.
In spite of this, I wanted to know why she didn’t want to ride them. So when David and the boys take off towards Harry Potter’s “The Forbidden Journey” ride at Universal Orlando, I squat down and ask her why she will fly down steep hills on her bike – something I see as a lot more dangerous – but is antsy about riding roller coasters. She takes a sip of pumpkin juice then looks up at me very matter-of-factly,
“Because, Mama, I can control how fast I go on my bike. I can’t control the roller coaster at all. Half the time I can’t even see what comes next!”
Ah. Now I see.
Some love roller coasters for exactly this reason, because the thrill of not knowing what comes next exhilarates them. They get a kick out of climbing and plunging, arms wild in the air and lungs screaming excitement. But when I exit the roller coaster all wobbly legged, the adrenaline rush leaves me more spent than energized.
Yes, we should try things out of our comfort zone, and Faith did ride a few roller coasters. But generally speaking, once was enough for her. We both prefer thrills where our stomachs get to join the party, too.
What gives me life probably looks different from what gives you life. Or maybe not. Inquiring minds want to know: What feeds you? Roller coasters? The lazy river? Hiking? A night out with girlfriends? A quiet evening with a good book? All of the above? Whatever activities thrill you, may we all find energy and rest in knowing our endlessly creative God enjoys watching us thrill in the adventures He wired us to enjoy.
ooooo look- your (in)courage T made it into one of those shots. love it! What a fun trip – love this sneak peek behind the scenes.
I love that shirt!
Oh my! I am so not a roller coaster mom. I wish I could post the picture that got snapped at Disney World on the Mt. Everest ride. It took all the courage I had to get on, but I want to convince my hesitant 16 year old that just because I don’t enjoy roller coasters does not mean that he won’t and he should at least try. In the picture my family is all laughs and giggles and I am white as a sheet with my eyes closed and holding on for dear life!!! White knuckled all the way! Yet like your daughter, I shoot down the hills of paved roads at speeds of up to 25 miles an hour or more (according to my garmin). I like to control my thrills!
“I like to control my thrills” ~ Yes! So with you.
When it comes to roller coaster rides, I’m the official purse holder!
My thrill…well from time to time I’ve been known to get on stage and sing harmony with a band. Yup, it scares and thrills me all at the same time!