Originally posted 01-18-2010. Reposted 02-07-2011.
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Why do they call that piece of playground equipment a “merry-go-round”? I understa
nd the “go round” part but not really the “merry” part. Someone always winds up crying while playing on a merry-go-round, so let’s just admit it: the things just isn’t all that “merry”. I guess the inventor knew it wouldn’t sell if it were called a “concussion-go-round”, or a “someone’s-gonna-get-to-ride-in-an-ambulance-go-round”. Regardless of its name, the thing that causes this playground toy to be fun is the same thing that causes it to be painful: momentum.
Imagine you’re riding one now. The merry-go-round starts slow and the first revolutions are a bit dull. Then momentum kicks in and you begin to smile. You feel the wind flowing through your hair and you see joyful expressions on the faces of the children riding with you…except for that one kid. He looks like he’s about to lose it. The ride gets going faster, faster, faster, FASTER! Suddenly that one kid lets go. You hear a sickening crunch-splat followed by an ear-splitting cry of pain and the ride’s over for everyone.
Life deals us plenty of those “crunch-splat” moments, but many of them are our own fault. They are our fault because we give up before the ride’s over. Our job, work-group, friendship, ministry, or marriage becomes tough, scary or dizzying and we let go. Suddenly we find ourselves emotionally flying through the air, crashing, and crying.
Plenty of my own problems in life are the result of giving up too soon. How about yours? If you feel ready to give up, ready to jump, or ready to let go please don’t. Hang on for a while longer. Keep trying! The thing that can cause the most pain is the same thing that can bring you the most joy: momentum.
You may think that walking out on your job, friendship, client, business, or marriage will make you feel better, but the real difference between “merry” and “concussion” is the difference between holding on and letting go.