I remember when I was small, getting to ride on a carousel was one of those rare treats that was anticipated for weeks before, and remembered for weeks and months after...and it reminded me of our love.
First you would hear the music, and the sound of that calliope would drift across the air scented with popcorn and cotton candy, and would draw you in, out of the sunshine and into the dimness of that wondrous round building.... and there they would be, those magnificent animals on endless parade, just begging for me to ride...and oh, the agony of deciding which would be the one.... not the outside row...not for me!
These were the ones for sissies, they didn't go up and down, so my eyes sought the inner circles of horses.... all tossing their wooden manes, prancing along to catch my eye...and there was always one, that beautiful thing, that was taller than all the rest.... it went up higher and faster...the one that everyone wanted to ride...and always, always, someone bigger than me, would race down the floor and take it.... and I would swallow my keen disappointment, and ride one of the lesser steeds.
Before I met you, that was my lot in life, to ride on the lesser steeds...going round and round, watching the one horse I wanted...forever out of my reach. The music played, the carousel went round, and my journey seemed like that ride.... going endlessly in circles, but going nowhere.... happiness was nowhere to be found.
Then I realized what was missing, what I had not done; when I first followed that music...I had not put myself in the hands of the Master, the one who made it all run. So late in the game, but I got off that horse, and was going to go look for Him, but when I turned, there He was, hand outstretched for mine...He would lead me from now on.
Then came the day, that wonderful day, when I was the first on the floor.... and there that horse was, so high in the air...frozen in time, waiting for me...and I remember so well, that feeling of joy, of freedom, and joyous delight, when the music began, and the horse started to move.... in stately gallop it went...down to the floor, then impossibly high...it was and incredible beautiful ride!
Each day is like that...for when God took my hand to lead me to my future life.... and there stood a man instead of a wooden horse...one to walk with, be with, and love. When I put my hand in yours, that day not so long ago, the feeling came rushing back...the joy and delight, the bright hope and promise was there, it was part of you!
And I thank Him each day, for the carousel memory.... that joy that I felt as a child.... and to know that it's mine to have every day.... this joy that won't go away. And when I look in your eyes, and see the love for me there...I faintly hear playing in my mind...that lovely music...drawing me in, to find the love and the joy that is you.
A beautiful picture... I can smell the popcorn and cotton candy! I can hear the music! I can see that beauty -- with his big black eyes and long white mane that appears to be tossed by the wind rushing passed him... and those golden reigns all covered in jewels... the strength in his shoulders and hind legs. Yes, it is a most wonderful picture. Thank you for sharing it with me!!
