Life: Your Personal Amusement Park
Times have changed for all of us since we were kids – sometimes in “good” ways, other times “not so good ways.” That’s life – up and down! And it was these highs and lows that got me to thinking.
I remember as a kid going to the amusement park. Some of the rides were fun – some were boring – others were downright scary — JUST LIKE LIFE! There are days when everything is sweet like cotton candy and days where we might feel like we’re one of those rubber ducks in the shooting gallery!
And all of us have days where we may feel life is disjointed, distorted (think maze of crazy mirrors at the amusement park! ). But we can’t let those days keep us down. We are all here for a reason. To be our best and do our best.
One way to be at our best each day is to acknowledge that every day we have is a gift – a gift from God. Each and every day is important. Each and every day can bring new adventures, new opportunities, sometimes answers to pressing problems and so much more.
We each have one life to live – we get one shot – make it count. As busy as life can become, always take a step back to remember to be kind and compassionate to those in need. Simple things like helping a neighbor who is struggling to get their groceries out of the car – or giving a bouquet of flowers (or chocolate) to someone who is going through hard times, can give both the recipient and yourself a “feel good” boost for the day.
Friends and relatives who live far away may enjoy a personal card or note sent the “old school” way (via the postal carrier). Or how about a phone call to someone you’ve lost touch with, just to let them know you’re thinking about them?
Volunteering is not always possible. But if you have extra time to dedicate, volunteering can be rewarding: Senior centers, animal shelters, veteran’s groups, etc. often need help. Some places need mentors for young children or teenagers.
Each day of your life is filled with opportunity – like a shiny new ride in an amusement park. Use it to your advantage. Every day when you wake up, it’s there AGAIN – a brand NEW day – another GIFT from God. Be thankful. Have those private one-on-one chats with God to help keep your faith strong. He will help you be the very best you can be each and every day if you stay connected.
Say a prayer of thanks anytime, day or night. Think about all the blessing you received that day: food in your stomach, a roof over your head , a decent job, friends and family who care about you – the list is endless.
Always be thankful for blessings received in the past, the present and for those blessings still yet to come in the future. Life is an amusement park filled with lots of people and up-and down challenges (just like riding a roller coaster). It’s “your” park — enjoy the rides!