A few weeks ago, my family went to Six Flags Over Texas. We were waiting in line for a roller coaster and I noticed that there was one car that was unoperational, sitting by itself on a separate piece of track. It looked like the others; no visible, outward signs of a problem. However, it was obviously carrying some sort of inner issue that caused it to be derailed.
“It’s like me,” I thought.
For the last several weeks, I’ve looked pretty much the same on the outside. But, inwardly, I’ve been carrying my own set of “issues” that have caused me to pull myself “off the track.” I’ve withdrawn from life, doing only what absolutely needed to be done, but truly unable to move forward.
Unoperational.
Derailed.
Sometimes life throws you a sucker punch so out of left field that it calls for a withdrawal of sorts. You need some time to get your head around your new reality. But, too often, we stay there beyond a reasonable, healthy amount of time. We start to become stagnant and then find ourselves rendered incapable of really stepping back into life.
This unhealthy place is where I’ve been. I’ve lingered too long on the rail to nowhere. This is not what God wants for me. He doesn’t want me watching life from the side; He wants to fix what’s broken. I’m the one, however, that has to pop the hood and allow Him access to the problem.
Tomorrow is the last day of this year. It’s been a crazy, mixed-up year to which I’m not ashamed to say “good riddance”. There is a new, fresh year dawning, but there are no guarantees that it won’t be another roller-coaster ride of gigantic proportions. However, if I don’t get back on the track, I might not have to deal with some of the twists, turns and drops, but I’ll totally miss the thrills of the ride.
My hands are up and my head’s thrown back.
I’m ready to fly.
Photo credit: Little Red Terror
I can relate in so many ways. Thanks for your vulnerability. God uses just this to speak hope to others. We are not the only ones who jumped the track.
Love to you and a BLESSED, HOPE-FILLED, NEW YEARS!
I am climbing back on that track with ya. My track is the one I was pulled off of in JULY when I had the shin splints … have not worked out since. NO MORE! Starting now I am back in the game!
I love this, and I love you and I love that your ready to get back on track, for a ride with the One who loves YOU the most. Glory to God!
Much love,
Yolanda
It has been a wild ride of a year, I'm glad you are back on "track" and back in the game! I pray 2010 is filled with much joy!!
Love you!
Bless your heart – you have had a lot of changes this year and it's easy to get off track. I can hear the determination in your words to change all that and climb back on. I'm glad you're ready to do that – to God be the glory!
I hope 2010 is filled with joy and peace for you and your family!
Blessings,
Joanne
…and how I have missed you, friend.
With your hands up and head back, you are in perfect position to both seek God and count His many blessings.
Good for you, Melinda, and God bless. Here's hoping for a smoother ride in the coming year, huh? Have a blessed 2010!
So glad to have you back on the ride!!!!
Enjoy the fun!
I know it has been a tough season for you, my friend. So thankful that He walks with us through these seasons, beckoning us to get back on track with Him and waiting to welcome us back.
Happy New Year!!
Leah
I love you friend!!!! So glad you are back on track :).
As I was reviewing my 2009, I saw times with you all over the place and was so very grateful. I hope next year brings more of the same.
Happy New Year!
Melinda:
I fully understand what you are saying. I've been dealing with fibromyalgia for over two years. Had no firm diagnosis until Sept of 2008.
We lost my dad this past June. Then I went further into depression.
I still need to find a way to gain some energy. There's a lot I would like to get done especially in 2010.
Sweet Melinda – what an awesome analogy. You are SO good at seeing the divine among the simple! This is very good – very good.
I've been derailed myself a time or two (or more), but the best part is I know that the track still leads HOME, and you my friend do too!
I can just see you now – in the FIRST car with your hands thrown up and on your way! You have embraced a lot of change this year, both with a move and a grandbaby on the way, and well, those are two big life events. So take the time you need to get there.
Can you believe that 2010 is just a few hours away? I'm looking forward to all God has in store for our lives and in our families (and the 3 new ones we will welcome). You are a blessing!
Jan
Hi Melinda,
This post spoke to my heart so much. The "derailed" analogy has been me, for way too long! On the outside I look the same too, but on the inside, I've struggled with wanting my "old life" back, and truly not accepting, or being content with my "new life" that the Lord has allowed. I know as Christians, He allows seasons in our lives, and truthfully, I want this season over. By faith I know the Lord is working EVERYTHING out for our good, and I know He is in control completely, but sometimes,life is just hard. I am with you Melinda, with Him as my guide, I am going to get my heart back on track, praising and thanking Him, knowing that even though we feel as though we've been derailed, He is right there with us, holding us in His hands.
He will never leave us, and He is our helper…we can have courage to truly not fear walking through the fire, knowing He walking with us Melinda, and we will come out of it, without even the "smell of smoke" as Daniel did coming out of the fire. He knows our frailty…He knows our hearts!!! You are precious dear one….thank you for tenderly leading me to Him.
Kelly
(This is too long I know…maybe just for your eyes..:) )