When younger, if someone were to ask me: “Who’s afraid of the Big Bad Wolf?” I would have said: “I am!”
I was about ten when my brother, Joshua took me on a roller costar aptly named The Big Bad Wolf! I thought I can be brave, I can go! If he can do it so can I! I boarded the costar with every intent of showing my brother just how brave I could be, but I ended on a quite different note.
In short — I freaked out!
I swore that day to only stick to the flying swing ride (still my favorite!).
While everyone else would go brave the roller coasters I would sit on the side lines waiting for them to return. Until years later when my dad wanted me to ride the Rebel Yell with him. He took me by the hand, reassured me that everything was going to be ok, and that he would be beside me the whole time. After much convincing and coaxing, I reluctantly got in line and secretly hoped something would happen to the coaster so I would not have to get on the stiken thing. I boarded the coaster, made sure my safety bar was as far down as it could possibly go, clenched the bar white knuckled and sealed my eyes tightly shut. My father assured me that it was all going to be ok, I also think he chuckled a little.
Before I knew it the ride was over — and to my amazement and relief I was indeed still alive! I would have liked to say that I immediately threw my hands into the air — I don’t think I even opened my eyes. But I realized that it was not so bad. It actually was a bit fun and nothing to be afraid of. I immediately got back in line and rode it again, this time with my eyes open although I do believe I was still clenching to the bar white knuckled.
I went to
Busch
Gardens with many of my family members this past weekend. I have changed a bit since my teen years. I used to be so scared to try the simplest things, now I love a good adventure. Although unlike my brother who leaves plenty of wiggle room, I still make sure my safety bar is as far down as it will go. But this time I laugh at the drops and I am happy to say I put my hands up!
And as my wise older brother David told me the other day “If something does not overwhelm or intimidate you – it is probably not really worth doing.” That really encouraged me! I am not saying one should go jump off a cliff just because it is scary, use some wisdom. But I am saying that challenges are good things that show us new aspects about ourselves, stretch us, and help awaken new gifts, talents, and passions. It is at these times of challenge that I am humbled and realize how truly inadequate I am and how sufficient God is.
As I am preparing to go on this adventure full of unknowns, I feel as if I am on a roller coaster
Buckled in tight
Tick tick tick of the tracks building the anticipation
Make sure the safety bar is as tight as it could go
The butterfly’s rise in my stomach
The crest of the skyline gets closer before me as the costar inches closer to the expectant first drop
Will I ride this with my eyes shut?
Will I put my hands up and let go?
Will I trust that my Father is with me?
My Father is with me. Now who’s afraid of the Big Bad Wolf?
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7
