When I was about six years old, my stepfather took my siblings and I to Paramount Kings Dominion.This was an annual trip, usually during the Summer months. My siblings and I always enjoyed the super fast rollercoasters, fun rides,tasty but pricey food and the infamous singing booth. We've actually brought home VHS tapes of our "performances" .
This one particular year stood out due to one small event. I have thought about it from time to time over the years but until now, never knew why it kept coming back to mind. On this day, I boarded a children's ride where the seats were inside of an airplane. There were maybe five planes in all and each plane has two seats inside. There was no covering, you sat in it as if you were sitting in a lawn chair. Your lower body was inside of the plane and thats where you were strapped in. These planes were white with red and blue trimming.
The airplanes went around in a large, circular motion, much like a carnival ride. You had the option to ride low or pull on the wheel to be lifted up and soar through the air! I, of course, wanted to soar. I had the priveledge of boarding the plane first so I took the front seat, where the wheel was. I was able to control how high or low the plane would be and I was excited about it. Though my path was limited to the circular motion, predesigned with this ride, there was a sense of freedom. Freedom to view surrounding rides and games and fellow visitors.
Soon after I boarded there was a little boy ( slightly younger than I ) who boarded and sat in my airplane, directly behind me. We didn't say anything to each other. Not in a spirit of being mean but I was too busy waving and smiling at my family. Soon after he sat down, all riders were boarded and we were ready for lift off! I was so eager to get up in the air. As soon as we began moving, I pulled on the wheel. We were going higher and higher as we circled around the large medal pole holding us all together.
All of a sudden I was thrown of course! The little boy behind me began pulling my ponytail! My hair was split down the middle with long ponytails on either side of my head. He took the liberty of pulling the one on the right side until I took us back down! I couldn't believe it! How dare he get on this ride and not want to fly?! Why was he even here?! On an airplane?! I turned to look at his frightened face and thought surely he must be joking...you know, in 6 year old words. Attempting to convince him that his fear is unnecessary, I attempted a second launch. Again, came the ponytail pulling! And it was much harder this time! I became so angry. I turned around and yelled "Stop it! " He replied with "I'm scared. " Out of remorse, (must've been the older sister in me) i took us back down. I pouted and boy was I hot (for non country folks, hot means angry LOL) him with. I had folded arms and everything! I turned back around to look at him and he was the exact opposite; smiling through his tears and waving at the crowd. Really? This made me even more mad. I wanted to show off and wave and smile. Feel the wind, rise above it all. But here he was. A stick in the mud, scaredy cat. I COULD NOT wait for the ride to end so I could tattle on him; report him to the fun killers authorities. I knew nothing could be done about it but I atleast wanted the satisfaction of saying something to someone.
Needless to say my life went on and I rode several more rides after that. Looking back, I did learn a few things during this incident:
*Not everyone is willing to go higher so be careful who's in your company
*Not everyone on flight is onboard
*Don't let anyone stop you from going where you need to go. If God has placed you in the driver's seat, it's for a reason.
*Know what you are in store for. Don't just jump on the next thing moving.Do research
*If you agreed to ride as a passenger, trust the driver. They are able to see over the horizon. No backseat driving.
*Your steps are ordered by God. You may not know wny He's put someone else in charge of the situation but trust His will.
*Don't distract the driver(leader) or you won't be able to reach new heights.
*Drivers, don't be distracted! Stay focused even if others are not supportive. You have a destiny that you are called to help others reach. Reach the promised land! You are chosen for this task!
I was thrown off course before but it won't happen again!! I am going to new heights in the name of Jesus!
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