When my oldest son was about nine, he asked me, “Mommy, what’s Heaven like?” My answer, though not very spiritual, had the intended impact. I asked him, “Nobody knows for sure, but what’s the best place you’ve ever visited?” Without hesitation, he said, “Disney World.” I then said, “Heaven is way better than Disney World.” He’s never forgotten that conversation.
During a visit to Disney World several years after my son asked me this question, God showed His presence at “the happiest place on earth” by revealing several ways that being a Christian is like going to Disney.
Unending Sights
A week is not enough. I’m not sure how many visits would be enough to see all there is to see at Disney.
A lifetime is not enough as a Christian to see all that God has for us to experience. I’ve been a Christian my whole life, and God still shows me something new daily. Thank God for eternity where we can see it all!
Variety
If you find Disney boring, let me just say that you’re missing out. Find that inner child and just enjoy! Just like Disney is anything but boring, so too is being a Christian.
If you’re a Christian and you’re bored, can I gently say, “You’re missing something”? Have faith like a child, and let the Holy Spirit lead you to a place of excitement and variety like nothing earthly can offer.
Something for All Ages
Watching people of all ages experience Disney is one of my favorite parts of going there. Adults become like kids again, and kids welcome them with a “what took you so long” and “there’s so much to do” enthusiasm.
This is also one of my favorite parts of being a Christian. Young learning from old, old connecting with young, and fellowship with all ages. Cliques and favorites can lead to disunity. Being open to the mingling of all ages can open the door to tremendous variety and joy in the family of God.
Fast Pass Available
For the more-popular rides at Disney, there used to be a Fast Pass available. This allowed you to schedule a time to come back to the ride, skip the long line, and get right on. So, what did you do in the meantime? Go on rides with shorter lines. Get something to eat. Rest. Whatever. Personally, I don’t know why people didn’t use the Fast Past more.
Jesus is the Fast Pass to Heaven. No waiting. No lines. No scheduling. No requirements or expectations save one: Believe on Him as Savior and Lord.
Hidden Mickeys
Finding the Hidden Mickeys is my favorite part of going to Disney. My oldest son and I stay away from rides that aggravate our motion sickness, so we searched for Hidden Mickeys while my husband and youngest son went on the more rigorous rides. You need a guide to know where they are and finding them brings renewed enthusiasm and excitement for finding more.
God’s Word is filled with hidden truths in the sense that you need to spend time reading the Bible to find them. Even connections to Him in the world come through knowledge of Him through His Word. Even more than with Hidden Mickeys, discovering the truths found in God’s Word brings renewed excitement and enthusiasm for being a Christian. Like the guides showing where to find the Hidden Mickeys at Disney, God’s Word guides us to His truths when we take the time to follow the directions.
Be Expectant
Do you expect to hear from God in any place and at any time? This post may not seem very spiritual to some people, but I hold tightly to my belief that God is an Everyday God who can and does speak to us in every aspect and detail of our lives. Even a trip to Disney can stimulate the imagination and bring renewed excitement to living life as a Christian.
Mark Allman
Kari,
I'm with you. I believe God is in all that we do, all the time. We worship and witness and serve wherever we are whenever we are. At work, at home, on vacation, at the mall, and walking down the street.
Kari Scare
I'm not sure we're supposed to have favorite parts of being a Christian, but aside from salvation, seeing God in everything that I do and everywhere I go has got to be in the top 5 parts. It's part of what makes life exciting for me!
Mary McCauley
Oh yes Kari, I find God in all sorts of places. As I travel across America I find so many things that remind me of God and His Word. Sometimes I just get so excited I burst out in praise. God is SOOO Awesome!
Kari Scare
Yes, He is! And even that word doesn't seem to do Him justice either.
tnealtarver
Enjoyed your post today. I can identify with both your enjoyment of Disney World and your connecting it to Heaven. For me, one of the spots I connected with a heavenly glimpse was in Epcot's globe when the ride takes you into the reformation times and you see Michelangelo painting the Cistine Chapel. The music there made my heart soar.
Kari Scare
Yes, that is a very cool ride and moment on the ride.. Loved Soarin' at Epcot too. That was another connection for me there.
Loren Pinilis
There are hidden Mickeys? I never knew that!
I guess that also shows you that sometimes it takes someone else to point out things like God working in your life!
Kari Scare
Oh yeah there are! There's something exciting about searching for things that most other people don't know are right before their eyes. Great way to apply it to God working in a person's life too.