There were six standout times during my trip to Disney World a month ago. They're probably not the same standout times that my peers on the trip would point out, but then again, I think differently (and I'm happy to say so.). All six moments involve my blessed life away from a Disney vacation. The magical moments and life lessons have more to do with God and family than Disney at all, and that realization continues to bless me greatly. Here is the fourth of those six moments.
| 4. Beauty and the Beast I know Disney visitors make memories while they are there and later reflect on their experiences when they get home - and for years to come - but for me, the reflection came on the spot - not always memories of Disney vacations, but more often in the thoughts of my family back home. The one time that I remembered a previous Disney experience came a couple of days later, when I found myself at the very hot and crowded Disney park, Hollywood Studios. Walking for more than 12 miles that day was taking its toll on my back, and there was hardly any shade for relief from a baking sun. |  |
I was about to leave the park for greener pastures when a stage show caught my attention. This was not just any random show, but the live Beauty and the Beast show. Now to explain, this show was brand new (as was the park itself) when I visited Disney World for the first time ever, in December of 1991. My wife and I were there on our honeymoon, and we loved the original animated movie that was released earlier in that same year. I courted that young lady in the flickers of the movie theater, and there it was live. This was before the Broadway show or the touring production, and long before we would build sets, repair costumes, and dress performers for one of the touring shows.
So once again, I sat in a seat in a high section of the outdoor theater (At least it was shaded.), and began to reminisce. Traveling alone and visiting cool places gives a person the unique opportunity for reflection. I took pictures and video clips of the show and even sent one to my wife so she could know that I was thinking about her at this moment, and as Belle and the Beast went through the throes of falling in love, yet again, my eyes began to sting and I felt the now all-to-familiar feeling of blessedness. Why can't others slow down for long enough to see that amidst the calamity of a spinning planet, there is peace, joy, happiness, and love? Why can't others remember to stop and consider the beauty of our world and the love that they once had, still have, and will continue to have in their lives? Am I the only one? Life is more than racking up experiences and climbing ladders, and the world would be a better place if folks could just slow down and look at it through new eyes.
So once again, I sat in a seat in a high section of the outdoor theater (At least it was shaded.), and began to reminisce. Traveling alone and visiting cool places gives a person the unique opportunity for reflection. I took pictures and video clips of the show and even sent one to my wife so she could know that I was thinking about her at this moment, and as Belle and the Beast went through the throes of falling in love, yet again, my eyes began to sting and I felt the now all-to-familiar feeling of blessedness. Why can't others slow down for long enough to see that amidst the calamity of a spinning planet, there is peace, joy, happiness, and love? Why can't others remember to stop and consider the beauty of our world and the love that they once had, still have, and will continue to have in their lives? Am I the only one? Life is more than racking up experiences and climbing ladders, and the world would be a better place if folks could just slow down and look at it through new eyes.
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