Volume 97: Rest in Joy of Others

A group gathered at the carnival game of trying to knock down the pyramid of tin cans and not one person won...

Loud, thrilling screams all around. 

Groups of teenagers walking together, making the most out of their independence. 

Iphones out, snapping photos of friends and scenery of Fright Fest. 

These were some of the sights while people watching at Six Flags in San Antonio. 

There I sat, on the curb outside of the Batman ride, waiting for my crew to walk out of the exit. 

Maybe you're now thinking, "Wow, Morgan, are you a SCAREDY CAT???" And the answer is no, no I am not! Look at this thing.... the real kicker is that your seat is SPINNING as you go.... Let's just say I get dizzy pretty quickly...

Anyways, as I was sitting on that curb, I kept thinking about my Dad. When we were growing up, my Dad used to take us to Orlando every year... letting us take friends... and as a single Dad. And he rarely ever did any of the rides with us...

If you don't even like rides, why would you decide to do an annual family trip to a place where the main focus is RIDES? 

As I pondered that question, it didn't take me long to realize - there is a lot of joy in seeing the people you love have FUN! 

I used to love any roller coasters, but these days, I choose to sit out on most because they make me feel sick, as my brain feels as if it is loosely rattling from side to side in my head. 

Yet, when I was extended an invite to Six Flags this weekend, I accepted! Knowing that I wouldn't be riding everything, but excited about getting to be with friends in a place where every single person is able to feel like a kid again. 

And as I sat on that curb, I watched every cart that came through on Batman, hoping to be able to spot Bobby, Wascom, Maryanna and Tanner on it! Because I just knew they were screaming, hands up, having an amazing time, which then brought a smile to my own face. 

And if that's how I found myself feeling in that moment, I can only imagine how fully Christ shares the joy with us, His children. Because He loves us even more than my Dad loves his kids... He loves us even more than I love my friends... 

He is a God who loves us so much. And wants us to be filled with joy and have fun and embrace a child-like faith. So he gives us the way to pure joy through a relationship with Him. 

And in that relationship, He shows an interest in us, caring about the things we care about. A type of interest that is willing to sit on a curb, smiling, even if you don't like rollercoasters, just happy because your people are happy. 

May we find rest in the fact that life may be like a roller coaster (perfect metaphor here huh!)... with many ups and downs. But we have a Father in Heaven who is with us and loves us, and keeps us safe. Not some rule following, strict, condemning God... One who I am sure would enjoy Six Flags with us!!

As Bob Goff wrote in one of his books, "I bet Jesus would rather be riding a Ferris Wheel or a skateboard or playing the cello than sitting with Him like we are in detention."

And let's give it up for the gift of the newest Cash, Murphy (human form!)!!! What a miracle birth is!!! 

Three healthy babies delivered into the world this week for the Ozark Family!

May all you parents be encouraged that one day your kids will appreciate you and all of your sacrificial love! We may never understand the full measure, but for what it's worth, it took me about 10 years later to thank my Dad for sitting on benches for hours, just so that we could have fun riding roller coasters! You are the true heroes!

Over and out, Six Flags....

**Subtle plug for dramamine and the strength it provided for me to do a few rides!!!!**