Volume 76: Rest in Spring Break

 

On the Friday night before I left for Florida, Wade prayed over our pizza (as we celebrated new puppy, Bruce!!!) and in his prayer, he said something that stuck with me for the rest of the week:

"Thank you for giving Morgan the opportunity to take this trip."

Typically, I find myself quick to give thanks to God. But if I am being honest, I had not taken time to thank Him for the opportunity to take a trip! What a simple statement, yet one that tells a lot of our posture towards God. So here's to Wade's posture of gratitude that helped me to be more thankful throughout the week!

On our last day, Yellerton and I sat on the beach and journaled a list of things we were thankful for from the week. Both of our lists were quite lengthy, as we just jotted down anything that came to our minds, releasing the pressure for it to be well written or look nice. 

A list ranging of a variety of things. 

From our favorite rides - Avatar, Tron, Slinky Dog, Jurassic River Boat and Hagrids. 

Wawa pretzels and Mickey Mouse Ice cream bars. 

The Epcot and Magic Kingdom night firework and light shows.

Kids living their best life in the parks. 

The list could go on and on. We sure do have a lot to be thankful for! 

And there are also some bigger takeaways from the week that I will continue to think of!

Disney does EVERYTHING with EXCELLENCE!! 

Trash is picked up.

The bathrooms are clean. 

The workers are friendly. 

The lines for the rides are entertaining. 

There is attention to detail in the smallest of things. 

As employees of Camp Ozark, excellence is constantlyyy ingrained in our brains. So it was beneficial to be consumers of a product that is excellent, so that we could gain better perspective of the difference that it can make. 

After two days at Disney, visiting all 4 parks, we went to Universal Islands of Adventure. While the park was a lot of fun, we were quick to notice things that were not held to the same standard of excellence as Disney. 

One of the torches on the Jurassic Park entrance was out.

The sides of the building had stains. 

Dr. Seuss land seemed a little outdated. 

No, we are not spoiled brats!!! We would never voice these observations ok! But after we experienced excellence, we were more quick to compare. 

So may we do things with excellence!! Especially the small things! It makes a difference and people notice something is set apart!!

Do the next right thing! 

As we were next in line for Mickey's Runaway Railway ride, Ty was planning, "Okay, after this, we will need to run straight to Tower of Terror and then we can try to book our next Lightning Lane."

Blake jokingly responded, "Ty, you're always thinking about the next thing. Enjoy this ride!"

And even though Blake never meant for this comment to be remembered, it stuck with me. Because how often do we have something great right in front of us, yet we are thinking about what's next!?

In Ty's defense, Disney nowadays does require a lotttt of preplanning if you want to ride any of the good rides. But, just as in life, there is always a balance to find - of being wise about what's to come but also remaining present to what currently is. 

In the parks, the last thing you're thinking about is what your life will look like in 10 years. You are solely focused on your day in the park! And that's why I believe it is a place that, even thought your body is physically exhausted, your soul feels at rest.

I talk of it often, but one of the most refreshing things to me is childlike joy. 

Whether a small Woody meeting big Woody or a kid with his remote control car on the beach, kids bring such pure, innocent joy. 

And there's something even more beautiful when we, as olddddd folks in our twenties, are able to let down our guard and return to that childlike joy. 

In laughter that made our stomach hurt after getting absolutely soaked in the Jurassic ride. 

In wearing matching shirts. 

In singing Let It Go on the Frozen ride. 

In doing the Conga with Daisy. 

In posing with Russel and Doug.

In amazement at the Moana water walkway. 

In the thrill of rides.

I mean just look at these faces!!! And tell me it's not joy!!!

And I am grateful for friends who are easy going and whom I am comfortable around! We are lucky to work alongside like minded, fun people! We've done a lot together - 2 trips to Disney, weddings, recruiting, Mexico, Blue Ridge, etc. Friendships I do not take for granted! 

There are some who will never have such experiences...

Opportunities of joyful moments! 

Opportunities of excellence! 

Opportunities of not worrying about the future! 

Opportunities of returning to childlike joy!

Opportunities of friendships! 

I am unworthy! But I am thankful! All glory to God!

Thank you, Father, for the opportunity to take this wonderful spring break trip!

May we never grow up!!!!!