SCARY!
This past week was Fall Break for our kids, allowing our family the opportunity to take a much needed vacation. This trip was cancelled too many times for various reasons which all revolve around health related issues. Finally, we boarded a plane and flew to Orlando, Florida. It was a sweet trip with my parents joining us, as well as Darek’s mom and his sister and her family. One of the most memorable moments was the when our kids were surprised by the arrival of their cousins! Next to our relationship with God, there really is nothing more important than family. I would also include in this description of family - close friends: the family we choose! We rode as many rides as possible during our days at the parks. There were a lot of firsts for our family on this trip, and if you have ever been to Disney World you already know that dozens of trips would continue to offer many firsts.
EPCOT
The sunrise from our room at Disney’s Riviera Resort
Our first day was spent at Epcot exploring the many new rides and the village of countries represented there. One highlight that day was the Guardians of the Galaxy rollercoaster. It was by far the most smooth and comfortable rollercoaster I have ever been on, and we ALL loved it! Toby even had the unique opportunity to ride it a second time, but that time was with my dad, Grandpa Dana. I know this will be a sweet, lasting memory for both of them.
The next day we visited the Magic Kingdom and it lived up to its name, aside from one event.
SCARY!
One of the classic rides is a rollercoaster called Space Mountain. This ride has been around since 1975 and has two different tracks (unbeknownst to us) that rapidly twist and turn along a pitch black, star lit course. After spending the previous day at Epcot and riding nearly all of the rides, we figured there was nothing that could rattle us. Our youngest, Makaiya, loves rides and was especially excited that she was finally tall enough to ride all of the rides. She was a little apprehensive when it came to Space Mountain, however. We assured her that she would be okay and this is a very fun rollercoaster, but she was pretty nervous. The setup on the ride only allows single riders, in a single file row. I sat in front and Makaiya sat directly behind me. This presented a slight issue for her, as she desperately wanted to hold on to my arm. I was able to reach back and hold her ankle through the entirety of the ride, which provided just the right amount of comfort and reassurance for my sweet girl. The lap bars were locked into place and we were speeding through the darkness, up, down, and around. “SCARY!” A single word uttered by my sweet child as we raced along the track. All the while I was reassuring her that she was safe and everything would be okay. Again, I heard, “SCARY,” a few more times and I continued to offer words of comfort as my grip tightened on Makaiya’s ankle until the ride returned to its original starting point,.
I can only imagine that this is how our Heavenly Father loves us and longs to comfort us during the SCARY moments in life. I wanted more than anything for my child to feel safe, and to trust that I would never place her in a situation that would intentionally bring her harm. I find it difficult to wrap my thoughts around the fact that God’s love is even greater for us. And, when we shout out, “SCARY,” He hears us, holds on tight, and offers comfort and safety in His loving arms. We can depend on Him, and we should lean in harder to experience Him when life is scary and uncertain.
“But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds, declares the LORD.”
Here is a prayer through song that speaks volumes to me and I hope it does to you as well.
In Jesus’ Name by Katy Nichole
I speak the name of Jesus over you
In your hurting, in your sorrow
I will ask my God to move
I speak the name 'cause it's all that I can do
In desperation, I'll seek Heaven
And pray this for you
I pray for your healing
That circumstances would change
I pray that the fear inside would flee in Jesus name
I pray that a breakthrough would happen today
I pray miracles over your life in Jesus name, in Jesus name
I speak the name of all authority
Declaring blessings, every promise
He is faithful to keep
I speak the name no grave could ever hold
He is greater, He is stronger
He's the God of possible
I pray for your healing
That circumstances would change
I pray that the fear inside would flee in Jesus name
I pray that a breakthrough would happen today
I pray miracles over your life in Jesus name
In Jesus name
Come believe it
Come receive it
Oh, the power of His Spirit is now forever yours
Come believe it
Come receive it
In the mighty name of Jesus, all things are possible
I pray for your healing
That circumstances will change
I pray that the fear inside will flee in Jesus name
I pray that a breakthrough
Would happen today
I pray miracles over your life in Jesus name
I pray for revival
For restoration of faith
I pray that the dead will come alive in Jesus name
In Jesus name
Disney may very well be magical and the Happiest Place on Earth, but the real joy will come when we meet our savior face to face.
May the God of Possible bring HOPE and JOY to you today and every day!
