Thankful for the Roller Coaster

Here we are again at the most thankful time of the year! As I think about another holiday season coming up and consider changes in life, shake ups in the real estate market, and the general ups and downs of the day-to-day… I recall the 1989 film, Parenthood, with Steve Martin and a host of many of our ‘80’s favorites. If you haven’t seen it, you should. There is a scene where Martin’s character is feeling completely overwhelmed with the tumult of life with kids, wife, extended family; and "grandma" tells a story that is intended to help. She uses a metaphor that at first, appears to fly right over Martin’s head; describing the thrill of the "roller coaster" and how it is scary yet exhilarating at the same time; and yet, some prefer the "merry-go-round," which only goes around… As you look at life, which do you prefer?

Most of us, admittedly, enjoy the status quo. We prefer for things to go the way we want and/or expect. And yet, the reality is that we don’t always get to choose our "roller coaster" moments, and they often seem to just pop up on us at the most inconvenient times. But what if we had no ups and downs? How would we appreciate the "merry-go-round" seasons if we had no hills and valleys? How would we experience the victory of arriving on the other side of a challenge if our path was always level?

​This year, I am thankful for the roller coaster. For all of the trials and triumphs we experience as we look to live out this short time on earth in a meaningful way. At the end of grandma’s story, Martin marvels at the supposed "wisdom" of grandma, as she is sitting in the neighbors’ car (ha!); to which his "unplanned pregnant" wife responds, "I happen to like the roller coaster." May we endeavor to embrace, and even find gratitude in, the roller coaster of life as we find resilience and a certain amount of exhilaration when we do. Have a Happy Thanksgiving and we will see you soon!

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