Enjoying the Ride

The sun is shining, the breeze is blowing and I can manage to be outside for 2 hours straight without sweating. Perfect way to start out the day.... a trip to the zoo. We joined a good friend and her little guy for a long stroll around Africa, Indonesia, Australia and the Indiana Family Farm :) It was really refreshing to have good (uninterrupted for the most part) conversation and fresh air along with a little exercise. About halfway through the zoo, we encountered the carousel. About 40 staged animals with golden poles move up and down gracefully as the carnival music plays. Something caught my eye today as we strolled past (me not having money handy for Rowan to ride or wanting to get him out of the stroller in fear that he wouldn't get back in).... only one rider. She held on tight and went around and around without a care in the world. I kept looking around to see who was riding with her, wondering where the rest of her party was. As we watched the entire carousel go around, it was evident that she was completely alone. She was simply enjoying the ride and in no hurry to keep moving as I was. The greatest part and the point of this story you ask? Well, the lady was about 70 years old. I did actually laugh when I first came to this realization, but after reflecting, I was challenged. Am I strolling through each day just trying to make it until naptime or bedtime? Am I constantly looking ahead to the next stage to see what's there? Am I prepared for what's next? Will I survive this? The thoughts are endless and this world has me completely caught up in planning ahead and wondering what's next. I think I need to stop and ride the carousel for a bit. Are you enjoying the ride?