Dragon's Tail

A few years ago, my wife and I (plus the dog) visited the Smoky Mountains in Tennessee.  We were living in Cincinnati which is only about a five-hour car ride.  We had never seen the area before and thought this would be a great opportunity to do some sightseeing.  Of course, being a male, I didn’t really check the map.  Instead I just headed to the nearest point of the mountain range.  It happened to be Highway 129 which leads to a section of road called the “Dragon’s Tail.” 

You may not have heard of it, but if you are a motorcyclist or sports car enthusiast you may have.  It’s an eleven-mile mountainside road that contains 318 curves.  There are no guard rails as you hug the mountainside while winding back and forth.  It is not a good destination for a cautious driver in a Volkswagen Passat with his wife and dog.  The typical passenger for the Dragon’s Tail is a thrill seeker in a high-performance sports car or a motorcycle, not me in my Passat.    

The mood in the car quickly changed as my wife began to question my decision-making process and the dog slid back in forth in her kennel at each curve.   You can’t turn back once you are on the Dragon’s Tail.  There are no side roads or intersections.  I was forced to drive to the top where there was a large crowd celebrating their victory over the treacherous mountain road.  I turned the car around and headed the quickest way down – the way we had just came.  There wasn’t any celebrating in my car.

I never had the opportunity to enjoy the stunning scenery of the Smoky Mountains during the drive.  The road was too demanding and required all my attention.  The very reason I traveled there was lost in this instance because of the road I traveled.  I had taken on too much.

It made me wonder how many of our students are tempted to travel a Dragon’s Tail during their high school experience.  Their class load, extra-curricular activities and other demands reduce their ability to enjoy the scenery.  They pass through high school missing out on enjoying it to the fullest.  I do believe the abundant life Christ promises is found in a balanced life which includes time to reflect and enjoy the moment.

I encourage parents to monitor the activity level of their student and stress they may feel.  We run a rigorous program and realize at times students feel the pressure.  The goal is to be challenged, but not overwhelmed.  If you feel your student is struggling, please let us know.  Students can feel there isn’t anywhere to slow down or turn onto an easier road and may need some support.