Roller Coaster Rides

Roller coasters have been a frequent topic of conversation in our house lately.  Last week, Matt joined Carson on her 6^th grade end-of-the- year trip to Carowinds.  Two days later, Zane was also able to visit the same amusement park.  (For those of you who haven’t heard of it, Carowinds is an amusement park in Charlotte, NC—not too far from us.)  The biggest attraction at Carowinds right now is their new roller coaster called The Fury.  It is an incredible ride—billed as the world’s tallest and fastest coaster.  (If you are really interested, you can search for videos online to see for yourself.)

Personally, I love roller coasters!  I LOVED going to Six Flags as a teenager and riding anything and everything.  As an adult, we’ve just never really gone to an amusement park. I’ve never really thought about why, but now I think I know.  Matt hates them.  He went with Carson on this trip, and the most daring thing they rode was 2 kiddie roller coasters.  He also enjoyed riding the carousel. Apparently, roller coasters are just not his thing, and although Carson looks just like me, she gets this same trait from him.  Zane, on the other hand, is my coaster lovin’ child.  He got to Carowinds and the very first thing he did was ride the world’s tallest and fastest coaster—The Fury.  That’s my boy!!

Well, I didn’t get to go to Carowinds this past week, but I had a roller coaster experience of my own.  It was called “The Last Day of School”.  I’m really not sure that I can adequately express all that I felt, but I’m going to try.  It is the end of the school year.  I am exhausted.  It is so nice to spend this weekend NOT doing lesson plans.  These past couple of days have been spent working in an empty classroom.  I love the quiet, yet I miss the conversations and the laughter that comes when the students change classes.  

Yesterday morning we had our awards program.  Afterwards, my 7^th graders came to me to get their report cards and then….that’s it.  They are off for the summer.  Did I tell them everything I should have?  Not about science or math, but about God, about life.  

Then there were others that I know will not be back next year.  Did I give them anything that will last a lifetime?  

Then there are the seniors.  Graduation was last night.  You would have thought my very own children were graduating.  I was prepared with many tissues.  I can’t help it.  I love these students!  As annoying and trying as some of them can be sometimes, I love them!  

So, I’ve been on this “HAPPY, sad, ENERGETIC, tired” roller coaster over the past few days.  When all is said and done, I wouldn’t trade it for anything.  God has graciously given me the desires of my heart, and I am working my dream job.  Really.  

I’m so thankful for the lessons learned, and that I can rely on God for the strength and wisdom needed for this ministry of teaching.  I’ll enjoy my couple of months of down time, but I’m already thinking about next year and the next thrilling roller coaster ride.