Adventure 17

It was the weekend after our vacation and I was still in vacation mode. I didn't want to come home and deal with the normal stuff like laundry and dishes. So when i found out that the circus was in town I was so excited. Joslyn had never been to the circus and I hadn't been to one since I was a girl. I was wondering if it would still have the exciting feel as it did to me as a kid. We got there early so we could check out the fun things they had going on. And I looked over and my heart got fluttery. Elephant rides!

When I put ride an elephant on my adventure list I never considered that it would be so easy to accomplish. I remember looking at the State Fair last time hoping they had something like that there, but alas they didn't. So when I looked over and there it was, I was thrilled. The big question was Would Joslyn go with me? We bought tickets and stood in line. We had talked and talked up the elephants before the circus to get her excited about going. So standing in line to ride I showed her that we were going to get to touch an elephant!

We ended up being first in line for our elephant named Viola. Joslyn went on first and was a trouper. Normally a strange guy picking her up would have scared her, but she went with it. Then it was my turn. I looked at that high elephant and said how do i get on? He held his hand out like a stool and offered. I looked at him like he was crazy. He must have been 100 hundred lbs soaking wet, and he wanted my hefty but to stand on his hands? I reluctantly got on and hefted my self on the big beast. Now look, I am no little fairy of a woman. I am big bold and beautiful, but even Viola got nervous when I got on. She started moving back a little and I started to get nervous. I silently said a prayer and thank you to Viola for suffering for my benefit. Turns out she was spooked because I was sitting above the mat and that made her nervous. So they had me scoot back and she calmed down. I patted her head and said thank you sweet elephant! Joslyn was calm the whole time until I got nervous about her being nervous. They loaded a couple other small kids and we were off.

What a ride! Oh I will admit I tried to stay calm while I was on there for Joslyn's sake, but I was terrified! Joslyn was able to pat her head and feel her bristles. Joslyn was fearless! She had fun! Momma did not. I am really glad I did it but I don't think I would ever do it again. Everytime that Viola moved I felt we were going to fall off. I was a nervous wreck until we got off that elephant! A nervous wreck with a smile though! I looked in Viola's sad eyes as we parted ways and thanked her again. I will never understand what it is like for service animals. We all can speculate what they are feeling as they are doing our bidding. Whether it is a service dog, a competition horse, or a circus elephant. All I know is that I will always have respect for the animals. When Adam and Eve took those bites of that apple, they not only changed our lives but the lives of the animals. God created the animals for companions to live in the garden, leisurely lives in Eden to live out eternity. Suddenly thrust in the world to be looked at as food and as the help. Then as sin corrupted all of the Earth, their lush homes turned into desserts and their past companions turned into enemies. I try and remember this as I look at the animals that pass through my life. Gifts from God to his people. Respect and love is something I wish I could convey to everyone in respect to these animals. They aren't playthings or things to abuse, but gifts from God to enjoy and be thankful for.

Thank you God for the animals! Thank you that we have them to share live with, eat and work with. Thank you for their sacrifices for your benefit. Help us to know how best to love and respect the animals and therefore honor you. Thank you for the joy they bring and help us to do our part in taking care of the blessings that you provide for us. In your name amen!