Continuing our quest to avoid the cold of Ohio’s February, Marilyn and I find ourselves in on our own version of Where’s Waldo. Unhooking our camper in central Florida during one of the “best weather weeks ever” according to the locals, we compulsively decided go to Disney World!
As card carrying baby boomers and part of the inaugural graduating class of the Mickey Mouse Club, we found the gravitational pull toward the Magic Kingdom irresistible. And if you, like us watched Tommy, Annette, and Cubby grow up in black & white then later blossom into romance figures in living color on Sunday nights; well, you likely understand our childlike fixation. Walt the Dreamer is to me Andy Griffith on steroids, someone who, in my opinion did more to protect the wholesome image of entertainment for my generation than decades of congressional subcommittees. To this day, whenever I hear “When I wish upon a star…” I’m magically reduced to an innocent, wide eyed 7 year-old.
Although numbers of entertainment companies have hitch-hiked on Walt’s original theme park idea here in the land of year ‘round warmth; none has eclipsed his ever-expanding vision.
Our last visit to Walt’s world was over a decade ago with our two toddling granddaughters in tow; and so we assumed Tinker Bell’s pixie dust may not pack the same wallop. Anticipating this going in, we both agreed to shift our attention to the thousands of children around us. And I’m writing to tell you, the magic still works!
But what we hadn’t fully prepared ourselves for was the number of full grown kids; ages 18 to 80 who were, themselves fully engaged in the Disney experience. Entire families with matching shirts that read “Best Day Ever!” and “I’m with Mickey!” crowded to have their pictures taken in front of Cinderella’s castle. But there was a new twist this time; something I’d not seen before; young people—Millennials coming to the park in various forms of Disney costume. Grown young ladies in poodle skirts and bright red lipstick; their hair carefully quaffed into Mickey ears; all added to the celebratory atmosphere that is Disney. At first glance I thought these happy young adults were cast members but it soon became clear they were guests to the park just as we were. I loved it! Of course the children were agog with excitement but it was amazing to see grown men and women grinning from Mickey ear to ear. It’s the only place on the planet one might sit down next to a surgeon from Michigan wearing a Goofy hat and discuss the politics of healthcare.
It quickly became apparent to this anal retentive, straight laced, middle class minister that in spite of my own inhibitions; my experience was greatly enhanced by the complete abandon of others. I found it magic.
You know the purpose of these articles is to engage us toward a common thread of thinking—to reflect on God and how His grace toward us empowers us to be better people.
That was my take away from our Disney visit. I was reminded by hundreds of Goofy hat wearing adults that the more completely I commit to the lifestyle Jesus displayed; I would become part of a greater energy that draws the tenuous, the timid, the terrified and even the testy into a better place. God asks us to do more than visit our faith…to do more than observe the activities around us. He implores us to get enthusiastically involved…to buy the hat and wear it.
Once upon a time as Jesus was being questioned; listen how the discussion tilted toward the same idea I’ve just put forth. When Jesus asked the man what it took to enter into His Kindgom the man guessed, “To love God with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.” (Mark 12:33) To which Jesus replied, “You are very close…”
So if you’re close, why not wear the hat? See ya real soon — RG
Read Ron’s column, Simple Faith, each Saturday on the Faith Page (page 3) of the Lancaster Eagle Gazette, or visit www.lancastereaglegazette.com.