Maybe it's because I spent a lot of time this week in pursuit of tickets for the Holy Days, but I've been thinking about the upcoming new year in terms of an amusement park ride. It's the cyclical nature of the year, with the same peaks and valleys every time, like a roller coaster or a Disney-esque storybook ride.
At least, that's how it goes on paper.
In reality, we all enter and exit at different points. There's no preset boarding area; we don't get time to securely fasten our seat restraints before the train starts moving. In some ways the better comparison is the lazy river; lots of entry points, and it's up to you to jump into the flow of things. Once you get in, though, it's the same path for everyone, every time you go 'round.
I don't like calling the year "lazy", though. Plus, moving slowly up a big hill before a sudden drop sounds a lot like how most years begin. What is needed is some ride that's halfway between the two. Or maybe one that changes back and forth, because some years the path is smooth and gentle, and others it is rushed and a little bit frightening.
I hope that your year combines a little bit of each of those - smooth gentleness when you need it, with enough fast drops and big loops to keep things interesting.
L'shana Tovah, everybody! May your year be sweet as honey, filled from end to end with living and joy.
Beautifully written.
ReplyDeleteI am reminded of a scene in the movie, "Parenthood." The wise matriarch of the family says life can be like a merry-go-round or a rollercoaster. The merry-go-round is less frightening, but keeps going in circles. She prefers the terror of the rollercoaster -- and its excitement -- despite its highs and lows.
Hang on. You are in for a wonderful ride.