Since my sister was expecting her baby, my brother-in-law and I were rollercoaster riding buddies. Some of the lines were quite long and helped me realize a relationship between riding a roller coaster and going through life!
As people would set off on their roller coaster adventure, the crowd standing in line would cheer and clap in a happy "send-off". And of course the roller coaster riders would clap and cheer as well!
As you would walk away from certain especially wild roller coasters, you could view photos of yourself while riding the roller coaster at certain critical moments in the ride that you had just completed. For instance, a signs proclaimed, "you've conquered blah blah rollercoaster, now capture the moment!". All others who rode the ride would stand and search for their respective pictures which were displayed on screens, and if they chose to do so, they could purchase their picture. At the time, I had NO IDEA that my photo was being snapped at a certain point in the ride! I was stunned when saw mine. When I saw my picture, there I was...my eyes closed as I grimaced and clung on for dear life despite the enjoyment of the roller coaster ride!
The picture was Not Flattering to me in any way, shape or form!
Others on the ride had good photos. For example, one man held his arms up above his head in a "mighty super hero" pose, sort of the stance many Olympions do after winning! And there was even a picture of a couple kissing. The next time we rode one of the roller coasters, my BIL pretended to be bored and looked at his watch at picture time!
So I resolved to smile at next picture- and did so successfully thanks to my brother-in-law telling me when it was camera time!
This experience made me think that someday, when I get a chance to review my life and various critical points, that I hope the "eternal snapshots" that "review my life" will show me smiling during adventures, as well as smiling with joy and persevering with dignity, even during times of challenge, difficulty and heartache. I have seen so many example of people who do have strive to have joy despite hardships. I hope that I could be like them in a similar situation.
Still, in retrospect, it is OK to close one's eyes and hold on tight on roller coasters and in life. For in truth, there are times where all we can do is hold on and cling to the gospel of Jesus Christ and close our eyes tightly in sincere prayer to Heavenly Father, as we hope for the best.
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