The Happiest Place on Earth
Disney World — it’s supposed to be the happiest place on earth — but I guess it depends on who’s saying it and feeling it. That’s where the Wallace’s and I are heading today. I know it’s a stretch to think I would be interrupting my Lenten “desert” and solemnity for going to that fantasy/magical/wonder/pixie dust world, but, in reality, I like to think that this long-planned adventure is no surprise to God and He might even have orchestrated it because He wants us to put into perspective the ability we have to dream and believe in miracles.
In reality, we’re heading there because Payton and Alexia were given Disney World as their big incentive for achieving “nationals” in their Debate and Speech competitions last year, and to make matters even more special, it’s the 10th anniversary of Papa and Alexia’s birthday celebration when he turned 60 and she turned 6. This year, Papa would be 70 and Alexia turns 16. I love that we get to still include that sweet man on our adventures. After all, he is still so present in our hearts and lives.
I commented to the kids “Well, you’re probably not wanting to re-enact riding in the tea-cups and the “It’s a small world after all” ride, are you?” To which, both said, “Oh yes we are — we’re not missing a thing!” Which immediately caused us all to break into song “It’s a small world after all!”
While Disney is such a sweet adventure with little kids in tow, I’m looking forward to this trip because it represents nostalgia for me as a young girl, when times were simpler and sweeter. Some folks enjoy the artistry and the detail (I know that to be so for Payton, as he has friends who work at Disney and, who knows, maybe with his musical talents, a door may open for him there one day). And some folks have discovered that they can be “kids” without even being a child and they can let that kid come out and play! COUNT ME IN!
Since I’m a romantic at heart, I still embrace the “Dreams come true” likes of Cinderella, Belle, Peter Pan, Little Mermaid and all the other Disney memories from my childhood that initiated my love for Hallmark movies where, though the ending is always expected to be happy, it still brings sweetness and joy.
I know there are those of you who are reading this today and are thinking “Get a life, Donna. In fact, get back in your prayer closet, Donna! Face up to the real nasty and dirty world we live in. Forget the imagery of “And they lived happy ever after” because it’s just not so!” And with that thought, I say, “I beg to differ!” This life may have it’s disappointments and tribulations….but the greatest BELIEVE-IT-WILL-COME-TRUE-STORY is a true story. John 10:10 “Jesus came to give us abundant life!” It’s THE ONE about a Prince and a shoe and a girl who believed in the impossible. Though the Cinderella story, itself isn’t true, we CAN believe that there is a Prince of Peace who gave each of us specific shoes that only we can walk in, and He promises that He will dance with us for ALL ETERNITY if we truly BELIEVE IN HIM”. John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that WHOEVER (that’s you and me) believes in Him, will not perish but have everlasting life!” That’s a FOR SURE promise of “And they will live happy ever after!”
I started this post with “The Happiest Place on Earth”. It really isn’t Disney….it’s that place of inner peace that comes with knowing the Prince of Peace, and abiding in Him 24/7. That, my friends…..is truly “The Happiest Place on Earth”!!!