There we were, walking across the bridge at Magic Kingdom, after a full day of rides and shows and lines and snacks, heading to find a spot in front of the castle for the firework show to end the night. And I looked at Mike and said, "you know, back in high school when I was having to make up excuses to not come to youth group everryyyy time you kept asking, I never would have IMAGINED one day being at DISNEY WORLD with your family!!!!"
But with the combination of Mike's persistency in extending invitations to youth and, of course, the Lord's provision, there I was... At Disney with the Kinnebrews and it was an amazing weekend!!
My prayer entering the weekend was May we know you better through this weekend of being a kid again. Open our eyes to be quick to see the joy around us.
And after two visits to Disney this year (lol am I a super fan now????), I can say with full confidence that Disney is a place that is full of joy.
Bubbles
Smiles
Excitement
Thrill
Music
Dancing
Fireworks
Treats
Screams
Laughter
Matching T-shirts
Strollers
Waving
Expressions of awe & wonder
Nostalgia
Childlike joy
Characters
Attention to detail
My prayer was answered and my eyes were definitely opened to the magic that surrounded me. Listen, it may be cheesy but there really is something different about Disney - something special. Kids are in their purest form, in complete awe of what they see around them. Whether a 3 year old girl genuinely believing she is meeting Snow White or an 11 year old boy who feels like he is in the real world of Star Wars at HollyWood Studios.
And parents exemplify the epitome of patience and selflessness. Waiting in lines and buying souvenirs and putting their kids needs first. (Side note - I am not sure how some of those parents remain patient when their kids are being brats on the thousands of dollars Disney trip amirite!!!)
Disney is a place I feel closer to the Lord, therefore, it was super duper important to me that I was there with the Kinnebrews, a family that has invested in me since the beginning of my relationship with Jesus.
The feelings of Disney will soon fade one day, but I have taken away so much more from that weekend than just the sense of childlike joy. Mainly, the importance of an overflow of generosity.
Home-cooked breakfast delivered during my meeting
Staying at a Disney resort
Paying for all of my snacks and food
Mickey waffles delivered in bed every morning
Sending me home with my favorite Macon food
For years, I have been a recipient of the Kinnebrew's generosity and it has impacted me in more ways than they will ever know. The smallest of things go a long way. Simple things that they wouldn't think twice about, yet mean a lot to me.
Back in April, after I returned from the spring break trip to Disney, I ran into them at Katherine's wedding shower and had mentioned that I would be a great Disney agent for their family trip.
A couple of months later, I received a text "were you serious about coming to Disney with us in the fall?" Yes, of course I was serious!!! To which the official invitation was then extended.
Ten years ago, I finally decided to stop being a stubborn, too cool high schooler, and went to youth group. Because of an invitation.
Last weekend, I was fully refreshed and filled with joy after a trip to Disney. Because of an invitation.
Youth group and Disney may not quite be on the same level for comparison, but what if we all lived a life of extending invitations like the Kinnebrews! Of constantly giving away and pouring into others! Quick to give our time and energy and money and to serve.
As a product of a kid who received, I can say it changes lives!!!
May we invite others in!!! And love on youth!!! And be lights of Christ through our generosity!!!
Bonus content: look how wonderful!
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