Dumbo is Behind the Castle

My kids and I went to the "Laugh All Night" show at First Baptist of Orlando last night. Taylor Mason had us in stitches as usual. He is such a very talented man and a joy to listen to. The other comedian we heard, Kenn Kington, had me doing some serious thinking.

Kenn was telling us about his first trip to Disney World with his 5 and 6 year old boys. First, they enjoyed breakfast with the characters. This was a huge hit with the boys, especially when Mickey Mouse came out. In fact, when breakfast was over and it was time for them to head over to the Magic Kingdom, the boys just wanted to stay at the restaurant with Mickey. Dad kept offering the joys of Disney World, but the boys were happy with their pal Mickey. Dad finally spotted the monorail and the enticement of a train ride was enough to move the pair to the park gates.

At the entrance, the boys once again balked wanting to stay on the train and not go to Disney World. Dad dragged them through the park gates against their wishes only to have the tears stop when they caught sight of the castle. When Dad explained that Dumbo was on the other side of the castle and the boys could actually ride on Dumbo, they were off. Of course, he again faced their lack of enthusiasm for the unknown after the Dumbo ride was over. Dad finally sat them down and explained that he had been to Disney World before, he knew plenty of things the boys would enjoy there, and if they would just trust him, he promised that they would have a wonderful time and lots of fun. The boys did finally decide to trust Dad and enjoyed their time at the Magic Kingdom.

Many of us have had that experience with young ones on their first trip to Disney. We find it hard to understand what we have done to them in the past that would make afraid to trust that we have something great in store for them. But aren't we like that with God? How many times have I told God, " No, that is okay. I'll just stay right here where I am safe, comfortable and happy." God gently takes us by the hand and leads us on to the bigger and better displays of who He is and what He has done for us. Even in our most difficult and trying times, He is walking with us and giving us the strength to go on. Next time I am tempted to tell God, "No thanks." I am going to try to remember a trip to Disney World. Maybe I will be a little more willing to put my trust in the creator of the universe. After all, He knows a lot more about the glory and joy out there than I do.