Disneyland Day 1
Our first day at Disneyland, the 10th national park of California. What a change. After 3 national parks of hiking, hot weather, and God’s creation, Disneyland is drastically different, but we are ready. Here we get to celebrate the imagination. God granted humans the gift of creative imagination. In fact, through the parables of Jesus, we can use creative imagination to better see God’s kingdom in our midst. However, for right now, we are enjoying the imagination of Walt Disney.
Amber’s favorite ride has always been Dumbo. Every time we go to Disney, she must again convince our reluctant boys to ride it with her. Both Eli and Josh prefer the bigger rides like roller coasters and Rise of the Resistance.
The morning begins early, getting up at 6:25 am so that we can be at the Disney Gate by 7:15 am. Then at 8:00 am, Disney workers remove the rope and we race the mob of people to be one of the first in the line for Rise of the Resistance. On the way, we lose each other. Eli and Amber go one direction. Josh and I another with Josh way ahead of me. We find each other as the line is forming. We were successful as we left many people in our dust. I am proud. My family knows how to do Disney right. By 8:25 am, we have already ridden Rise of the Resistance. It’s not like most rides. It’s more of a submersion experience, and it still thrills. As a Star Wars fan, it’s thrilling to see a variety of Star Wars vehicles and ships up close.
As the day goes, our main focus is the roller coasters: Space Mountain (my favorite since a kid), Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Incredi-coaster. Amber navigates our day with fast pass and the Disney app (always looking for the shortest lines).
It amazes me, how on the trail, Amber is often the one in the back. She does good at hiking, but she cannot hike the distance of Josh or I. However, at Disneyland (or Disney World), I cannot keep up with her. Here, Amber has a mysterious source of stamina and will.
The most significant event of the day. Each of us build our own lightsaber at Savi’s workshop. As Disney goes, the lightsaber build is also an experience building the lightsaber that speaks to who we are. Thus, each unique person builds a unique lightsaber. Of course, this is also true in faith. God created us with loving detail to be uniquely who we are. However, as God’s children, we are united in serving and following God’s will. How we serve God’s kingdom come, again, can be unique to who we are created to be. How are you to serve God and God’s kingdom come?
Again, we love Disney. While here, I am reminded of the devotion to Disney. Everyone, and this place is very crowded, is wearing some Disney apparel. I have my Star Wars shirt on that I intentionally wore today. It’s extreme, the happiest place on earth. Why is it easier to have devotion to Disney and sports teams (Go Pacers!), than to God? In our culture, there is big business in devotion. People will spend both a great deal of money and time to that which captures their devotion. Sadly, this can exceed our devotion to God.
As the day comes to an end, we almost make it to park closing. We know we have another early morning and big day so we leave at 11:00 pm (an hour before closing). My favorite ride today, again was Space Mountain. It was my earliest roller coaster that caught my imagination. It’s amazing how something becomes, more revered, because of fond memories. In church, this can both be Holy (we love the traditions of Christmas Eve) and inhibiting to God’s newness (we have always done it that way). Here at Disneyland, Space Mountain is a smoother and bit better ride than Disney World.
As the night ends, my feet are aching. Actually that is not correct, they hurt. I am ready to be off my feet, sleep, and prepare for another day at Disneyland.
Amber’s favorite ride has always been Dumbo. Every time we go to Disney, she must again convince our reluctant boys to ride it with her. Both Eli and Josh prefer the bigger rides like roller coasters and Rise of the Resistance.
The morning begins early, getting up at 6:25 am so that we can be at the Disney Gate by 7:15 am. Then at 8:00 am, Disney workers remove the rope and we race the mob of people to be one of the first in the line for Rise of the Resistance. On the way, we lose each other. Eli and Amber go one direction. Josh and I another with Josh way ahead of me. We find each other as the line is forming. We were successful as we left many people in our dust. I am proud. My family knows how to do Disney right. By 8:25 am, we have already ridden Rise of the Resistance. It’s not like most rides. It’s more of a submersion experience, and it still thrills. As a Star Wars fan, it’s thrilling to see a variety of Star Wars vehicles and ships up close.
As the day goes, our main focus is the roller coasters: Space Mountain (my favorite since a kid), Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Incredi-coaster. Amber navigates our day with fast pass and the Disney app (always looking for the shortest lines).
It amazes me, how on the trail, Amber is often the one in the back. She does good at hiking, but she cannot hike the distance of Josh or I. However, at Disneyland (or Disney World), I cannot keep up with her. Here, Amber has a mysterious source of stamina and will.
The most significant event of the day. Each of us build our own lightsaber at Savi’s workshop. As Disney goes, the lightsaber build is also an experience building the lightsaber that speaks to who we are. Thus, each unique person builds a unique lightsaber. Of course, this is also true in faith. God created us with loving detail to be uniquely who we are. However, as God’s children, we are united in serving and following God’s will. How we serve God’s kingdom come, again, can be unique to who we are created to be. How are you to serve God and God’s kingdom come?
Again, we love Disney. While here, I am reminded of the devotion to Disney. Everyone, and this place is very crowded, is wearing some Disney apparel. I have my Star Wars shirt on that I intentionally wore today. It’s extreme, the happiest place on earth. Why is it easier to have devotion to Disney and sports teams (Go Pacers!), than to God? In our culture, there is big business in devotion. People will spend both a great deal of money and time to that which captures their devotion. Sadly, this can exceed our devotion to God.
As the day comes to an end, we almost make it to park closing. We know we have another early morning and big day so we leave at 11:00 pm (an hour before closing). My favorite ride today, again was Space Mountain. It was my earliest roller coaster that caught my imagination. It’s amazing how something becomes, more revered, because of fond memories. In church, this can both be Holy (we love the traditions of Christmas Eve) and inhibiting to God’s newness (we have always done it that way). Here at Disneyland, Space Mountain is a smoother and bit better ride than Disney World.
As the night ends, my feet are aching. Actually that is not correct, they hurt. I am ready to be off my feet, sleep, and prepare for another day at Disneyland.
P.S. Doesn’t Josh look excited riding Dumbo!
