Stop the merry-go-round!
Have you ever gone to the park and watched the children on a merry-go-round? Since I have small children, I have had many occasions to observe this activity. What I have discovered is that there are three types of children who ride the merry-go-round.
The first type of children turn green once the ride is in motion. They grab on to anything within their reach to keep from falling off. Their eyes are huge with terror. These kids may scream or cry, but you can bet they will make some noise that will alert their parents to their discomfort. In severe cases, some of these children get off the merry-go-round before the ride is actually over.
Next, we have those who merely endure the ride. They have no emotion etched on their faces. They do not appear scared, or happy. Any on-looker would have to reserve judgment as to whether the children are enjoying the ride or not. The only way to know their feelings is to ask them after the ride is over.
The last group of children on the merry-go-round are the squealers. They are those who beg the pusher to go faster. Their grip on the ride is loose and carefree. When the ride stops, they squeal, "Again, again!"
After some examination, I have discovered that adults too can be put in these same categories. Just as the first group of kids did not enjoy the ride, some adults will not enjoy the ride of life. They will become sick at the thought of having to get out of bed to face one more day. They will become too dizzy to think rationally and many will want to escape the torments of the ride before it is actually over. Some will succeed in their escape leaving behind loved ones to readjust and ride alone.
There are also those adults who mirror the actions of the second group of children. Their passiveness leaves people wondering whether they are enjoying the event or not. They get through simply by not reacting. They may be having a good time but no on-looker would know unless the rider specifically admitted this was the case.
Finally, there are those in life who are considered the squealers. They bounce out of bed every morning ready to take on whatever life throws at them. They are determined that no matter how hard and fast life spins them around they will beg for more. There is no challenge too much for them. They truly do enjoy the ride.
Everyone who gets on the merry-go-round eventually gets back off, but each person must decide for himself or herself how he or she will react to what lies ahead of them. Though I must admit there are many times in life when I want to scream, "Stop the Merry-go-round," we must all resolve to stay on the ride until the end because the early check-out method is just not acceptable. The amount of enjoyment that each of us finds in the ride is up to each individual. Which group do you place yourself in? It is my goal to get myself in the third group. When the ride is over I want to scream, "Again! Again!"