I feel like my emotions have been on an out-of-control roller coaster ride this week.
My week started with a celebration—my brother Brian was ordained as a Methodist Elder. This is a major milestone in his life—it seals his commitment to the ministry he has chosen. The ceremony itself was a joyous celebration of the presence of God in our lives. And the next day, Saturday, it was a celebration of family highlighted by affection, sharing, music and, of course wonderful food. The congregation my brother ministers provide another tribute on the Sunday after his ordination—which added a loving and public dimension to this event.
Then we received the news that my Aunt Virginia had died. It came in the form of a text message from another brother who was unable to attend the ordination.
And then my roller coaster ride began.
How can joy be intertwined with grief? How do we celebrate one event and mourn the other—all in the same moment in time?
We go from joy to sorrow back to joy—often within moments. And yet, we make sense all of this and continue despite the way our lives sometimes seem like a riotous amusement park ride.
We sort out the feelings and sometimes even compartmentalize them to allow us to continue to function.
Sorrow can color our lives sometimes for years, but yet we soldier on, facing each day with great courage.
Finally we realize that joy is transient and that we must delight in those moments and hold them dear to our hearts—living them over again and again. Ultimately we come to know that to understand joy, we must embrace life’s sorrow.
And bravely, we get back in line for the roller coaster of life, throw caution to the wind, throw our arms up in the air… and ride.
That is what makes life worth living….the joys co-mingled with whatever flavors our day. That is why a song from the sixties sets our childish juices running through our veins.
Sorry to her about your aunt. Enjoyed this piece. Life can certainly be a roller coaster ride.
Melanie
Thanks, Melanie. Enjoy the roller coaster ride–I know that you do.
I was sorry to hear about your Aunt passing away but now she is at Peace with our Lord. The Roller Coaster of life can be so upsetting at times but then again we do see the brighter side sometimes when we least expect. Enjoy the celebration of your Brother and know that he will pray for your Aunt. Your article was BEAUTIFUL.
Thank you so very much, Eleanor. Your comments all ring very true.
How true: life is joy and sorrow.
Thanks Chris–and that is why the roller coaster called life is such a great ride!
How true: Life is joy and sorrow!
Thanks,Evie.
It seems life is a series of one door closing and another one opening. Your piece reminded me that we lost Peter’s aunt on a sorrowful day at the end of April; about 36 hours later our dear granddaughter entered this world at least 2 weeks ahead of her due date to bring us incredible joy. Five years later early on the morning of May 1 with breaking hearts we said goodby to our daughter’s beloved cat who had been her constant and healing companion for most of her life; later that same day we celebrated with joy the birthday of our dear granddaughter. Just two examples of many, but I believe my experiences have shaped my “Carpe Diem” philosophy to make the most of this roller coaster ride called LIFE. I hope to be able to say at the end that it’s been a great ride.
Thank you for sharing these events in your life.
Bob and I are currently on that roller coaster ride; we love our life in Solivita, our kids are doing well in northern states, and we’re looking forward to doing a bit of traveling… then we receive word that my father-in-law is now on hospice care. We feel so helpless. What should we do? Have we done enough? Is there something else we should have done? Fortunately we are blessed that we live in a supportive community, surrounded by friends, and that we possess a faith that we are in the hands of a supreme being who will not give us more than we can handle.
Again–one great thing about this community is having so many people around you who “get it” when you are facing difficult times. You are in my prayers and thoughts.
Isn’t it wonderful. After the downs we can look forwrd to the ups. I really think that God likes when we’re up celebrating the life He has given us. I loved this story . Thanks.
As always, Gail, I appreciate your lovely and insightful comments. Take care.
Thanks, Lynn!