My Disney World Expedition

“Mom…” that tone in her voice announced a petition.

“What?” I responded bracing myself when I noticed her brother and sister behind her.

“We think it’s time we go back to Disney.”

“Are you kidding me? I still have PTSD from last time!”

They laughed out loud. I didn’t think it was funny.

“Mom, they have new rides that you’ll love!” her sister added.

“I don’t want to hear about it,” I said as I turned my attention to the tv show I was watching.

Needless to say, I gave in to their request.

That was my first  family trip to Disney World with our young adult children.

That trip gifted me with two life lessons that I will never forget.

We started each day getting Fast Passes to their favorite rides. Then we followed the map to cover as many activities as possible, starting with the fastest and scariest.

I HATE roller coasters, so I became the official bag-holder and lone-kiddy rider of the pack.

Until…My husband and children surrounded me in a group attack and in unison:

“Please come on this ride with us. It’s not as bad as you think, we promise!”

My heart skipped a beat when I read the name: Mount Everest. After much begging, I gave in.

Unbeknownst to me, all the twists, turns and drops were in the dark- one piece of information they failed to provide.

I wobbled out of it alive, barely. I wanted to yell at them, but my voice stayed behind at the top of the mountain.

That night, as I reviewed the day before going to sleep, I realized:

Life is a rollercoaster filled with steep ups and downs, as well as flat, smooth parts.

We go through seasons of stable relationships, well-behaved children, healthy family members and steady jobs.

Suddenly, we get an unexpected bill, a pink slip or a negative medical report. Fear and anxiety displace our peace and happiness.

Just like I held on to my daughter’s arm throughout that monstruous ride (even though I wanted to strangle her and the rest of my family later for tricking me into it), we don’t have to ride the rollercoaster of life alone. The Lord reminds us in Isaiah 43: 1-4

“Do not be afraid…

When you go through deep waters, I will be with you.
When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown.
When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up;
the flames will not consume you.
^…because you are precious to me. You are honored, and I love you. NLT

As much as I despised that rollercoaster, I was thankful for that loving reminder.

So next time we are confronted by an unexpected turn of events, let’s remember to go to the Lord and surrender it all.

He is the One who can give us wisdom to make the right decisions, open doors where there seem to be none, and fill us with strength when we tremble with weakness.

Let’s trust that even if our grip loosens and our faith dwindles, He will never, ever let go of us, and He will carry us, if necessary, until we reach the next smooth season.

STAY TUNED FOR THE SECOND LIFE LESSON IN NEXT WEEK’S STORY