The Merry-Go-Round

     It is the beginning of September here and my mind is full of delightful memories. When I was a child the beginning of September always equaled excitement and joy because that was the time of the local county fair. One of my earliest childhood memories, in fact, is riding the Merry-Go-Round with my Mom holding onto me while I giggled and held onto the horse. I remember too walking around and sharing a warm box of popcorn afterwards. It was such a blessed time.

     As I got older I moved on from the Merry-Go-Round to the bumper cars, scrambler, octopus, and cyclone with the other big kids. I also moved on from popcorn to hot dogs, cotton candy, pizza, and cokes as well. I learned quickly too that it is always best to ride the rides first and eat the food later. When I grew into adulthood, though, I found myself back at the Merry-Go-Round again this time holding onto my own kids as they giggled and held onto the horses too. Now with my children all teenagers I am taking a break from the fair rides for awhile. I am resting up for the future, however. In ten or fifteen years my grandchildren may just need a steady hand to hold onto them as they laugh and enjoy their first rides on the Merry-Go-Round.

     Life at times can be a lot like those rides at the fair. Sometimes you get to delight in and giggle your way around the Merry-Go-Round. Sometimes you end up banging up against others in the bumper cars. Sometimes you end up on rides that make you scream, turn your face white, and make you throw up two pounds worth of fair food. Sometimes you even get to watch God’s, glorious sun go down from the top of the Ferris Wheel. At the end of it all, though, what you remember is the joy you experienced, the laughter you shared, and the love you felt.

     I thank God then for fairs and Merry-Go-Rounds. May they always brighten children’s souls and warm adults’ hearts. May they always bless this world with their joy.

~ Joseph J. Mazzella ~

[ by: Joseph J. Mazzella (joecool@wirefire.com) -- {used with permission} ]