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.). Most people would not put commercial air flights and bus rides on their list, but three of my six greatest memories from the trip are just that. In fact, all six 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 second of those six moments.
2. Bus Ride
2. Bus Ride
| The second moment of peace came during the chartered shuttle to the resort. The full-sized bus sported entertainment screens, terrific air conditioning, and only about five other people. I was surprisingly comfortable as we rolled out of the airport and onto the highway. As we passed beneath the shadows of palm trees and past gas stations with inflationary prices, my mind took me over once again. Before I knew it, I was smiling. I could feel it on my face. If anyone had seen me, they would have wondered what I was up to, but there was no one to see me, so I allowed myself the moment. |  |
The first thought came that I would not go back to the classroom as a regular teacher - that I had my last day of school the day before. There was a sense of freedom in that - something that told me I was free from state standards and administrators who were taking teachers back into the waters of constriction. No longer was I under the thumb of authority that told me that I had to adhere to pacing guides and administer common assessments.
There is great joy in that, but more so, once again, my brain journeyed to a state of peacefulness, and once again, I could only think of how blessed I am. I have been happily married to the same, cherished bride for over 30 years. I have been blessed with two beautiful children who know God and face the world as believers. I have just completed a creative and challenging career that has satisfied me in countless ways. And now, moving forward, there are still many, many opportunities that await me on the path ahead.
So there I was with a tremendous smile of tranquility, and all I could think of was that I wanted others to feel the same way. There are too many people walking through the streets with worry and struggle on their minds and with no desire to find peace through God and family. What the Lord has given me should never go unnoticed by me, and I must never take it for granted: may it also be contagious.
There is great joy in that, but more so, once again, my brain journeyed to a state of peacefulness, and once again, I could only think of how blessed I am. I have been happily married to the same, cherished bride for over 30 years. I have been blessed with two beautiful children who know God and face the world as believers. I have just completed a creative and challenging career that has satisfied me in countless ways. And now, moving forward, there are still many, many opportunities that await me on the path ahead.
So there I was with a tremendous smile of tranquility, and all I could think of was that I wanted others to feel the same way. There are too many people walking through the streets with worry and struggle on their minds and with no desire to find peace through God and family. What the Lord has given me should never go unnoticed by me, and I must never take it for granted: may it also be contagious.
For more about the experience, go to the 50 Teachers Celebration page.
