Buckle Up and Enjoy the Ride

The sweet title of a book written by a former Pastor has continued to repeat in my mind… Buckle Up and Enjoy the Ride…
Without a doubt, the last few months have been the most challenging that I can remember.  We all know the saying, “When it rains…It pours.”

I’ve been seen by numerous doctors including a dentist repeatedly.  “You think I have a what?  Can we fix it?  What about this?”  So of course what do I do?  To the Internet I go!  Research.  Loads and loads of research.  60 dollar co-pays here, 600 dollars there and a 1,000 invoice with no end in sight.


I’ve also recently bought a fun little convertible and I knew it needed a new top and some fresh paint.  No big deal.  Until she came back with runs and every man in my life shook their head at me.  And each time I started her up she would whine about something else.  A radiator here, wheel bearings there and now brakes.  Oh…the joys of owning an older car.

Family, friends and clients have felt their own little shift in the atmosphere too.  “April, Can you do this? What do I do about that?  I can’t pay this!”  And my favorite, “I can’t talk now.”  As they become over whelmed with their own stress, on occasion their emotions take over and I get the down pour from the hurricane spinning in their lives.
Right up on the same agenda, I decided to have an interest in a little pretty boy.  (Buckle Up and Enjoy the Ride…right.)

In the midst of a whole lot of chaos, God has decided to say to me again, “Go.”

Lately, I’ve felt like Snow White dyeing without the kiss from her prince charming and now I’m beginning to feel like Noah.  As I look ahead to a new path, people are beginning to think I’m crazy.

…Buckle Up and Enjoy the Ride…

I’ll be the first to tell you, I was not made for chaos.  My scales like to be even at all times.  Because of this, I’ve earned the title as a friend has said The Queen of Runners.  I’ve been known to bolt like a flash of lightening.  I will hang up on a sister if she raises her voice and I will ignore the crap out of someone who tries to argue with me.  I’m super sensitive to negative energy and I will go to the extremes to avoid it. Including, moving across the country.

I usually find comfort in climbing under the little rock I call home.  It’s perfectly cozy, comfy and holds the love of a small, well behaved child.  But, even in my quiet, little castle retreat, life has still been a whirlwind.

In the past few months, I’ve wanted to lace up my favorite running shoes, close the door behind me and take off.  I’ve hung up on a sister (told you so) and hissed at the thought of dealing with another disgruntled client.  I’ve avoided several urges to say exactly what was going through my mind.

The good news is I analyze everything.  (Well, good news for this story.)  I’ve noticed that the less I praise and surrender, the more I’m affected by the hurricane that has claimed its place.

As I praise and worship the God that is always in control, the storm right outside my front door stops mid-tantrum and dissipates.  (Remember when Jesus calmed the storm?)  I become one with God and I feel my feet firmly planted on solid soil.  His spirit awakens within me and he whispers once again.

The unnecessary doctor visits are solved with a prayer and a solution is placed in my hand for 1% of the funds already spent.  The problems with my lovely little convertible are repaired or forgotten.  Snow White kisses a book instead of her Prince Charming and God strengthens me to stand strong for those around me.

Then I sit back, buckle up and enjoy the ride.

1 comments:

  1. Lil Sis,

    Sometimes in our lives we have to realize that we just need that small escape. Things happen that we cant't change and it is faith that makes it all work out in the end. I too can't and don't deal well with negativity. I however can't hang up or walk away from it, I try to change it the best I know how. my only escape here is the little room I call home, the gym with my music, and the Sunday service I try to attend weekly. So now I say to you, if you can, sit back, buckly up and enjoy the ride, for we only have one chance for the long ride. bumps along the path, detours and a few stops, but the ride must go on.

    Love you,

    your big sis

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