A couple of weeks ago, CJ had a meeting out of town, followed by hunting with the boys. So I packed up the girls and headed to Disney!
We had an amazing time. I’m smiling remembering what a “magical” time they had. One night while tucking Hunter into bed, she was squeezing her newly acquired, Marie {from The Aristocats}, with the hugest smile on her face … I’m talking huge! My whole insides were smiling in return and feeling blessed knowing they were experiencing and feeling something so magical.
Hunter fell asleep before we even got into the park for the “Very Merry Christmas Party”
As I mentioned a couple of weeks ago, I’ve really been struggling. Just feeling like I’m not good enough. That I can’t measure up. Now, honestly … I know it’s all hogwash … but when you’re down, you’re down, right? The other horrible thing about being down is the enemy has a field day with that! But here’s what I’ve come to realize … I believe the Lord is working in me. Preparing me to use me in a big way. I’m not sure what that is, or what it means … I just feel it happening.
And I believe satan is working double-time to hinder my connection with my Creator. It started in Israel and only got worse when I got home. And quite honestly, it continued while at Disney.
I just wasn’t myself. I felt like I was struggling in so many ways. I won’t go into all the details, as I’m not sure any of them would even make sense.
But here’s the thing … as I was walking around all these different theme parks … very aware of my internal struggle … I was even more aware of and in awe of my surroundings. The people that is. So many different kinds of people … that came from all over the world to see this “magical” place. I’d smile just watching them …
A dad with bright pink, sparkly, glittery, headband ears. A tween boy with a Mickey fanny-pack. Grandmas. Grandpas working rollercoasters and telling guests to have a “magical day.” Grumpy teens. Happy teens. Moms yelling at children. Children not listening. Sick children. A group of handicapped or elderly. A boy with obvious developmental delays, clapping and dancing and smiling like nobody’s business {and yes, I may be crying as I’m remembering the pure joy on his face}.
All the while, I’m trying to make sense of it all. Like there’s some bigger meaning … {shaking my head} I don’t know … like I said, I’m not sure I can make any sense of what’s going on inside of me. There I was … in the most “magical” place on earth, surrounded by thousands of people, and realizing, we are all part of this great big world. We’re all struggling with something. And when the girls and I hopped into a boat for the “Small World” ride … and the music started playing … “It’s a small world after all … it’s a small world after all … it’s a small world after all, it’s a small … small world!” YES! it.is. a small world. And we’re all in it together.
The big epiphany … my breakthrough … was understanding, without a doubt, God’s cookin’ something up for me! And … oh my friends! that makes me smile! For that, I am thankful! For that, I’m excited!
Look at these girls … the last time we were at Disney World in Florida … in Minnie’s house … on Minnie’s sofa, was 2004. Wynter was 5 months old. Piper had just turned 2. And it was Taylor’s 9th birthday.
{Tears …} And look at them now. We’ve added little Hunter to our crew! Wynter just turned 7. Piper’s 8. And my big girl is 15!
Blessed and thankful am I. Happy Thanksgiving everyone … I pray you receive many blessings, but more importantly … you give many thanks!
I can’t wait to see what the Lord has in store for you next my friend!!!! :-)
And seriously…Taylor in the first pic and Piper in the second. Look. exactly. the. same! :-)
Love you! Happy Thanksgiving!!!
oh my friend… my insides ache with your struggles… and i pray that peace coming storming in. this small world seems too big sometimes… like when i was wishing i could have zipped right over to give you a hug. and then so small again when i think about our friendship over too many miles. oh how i love the magic of disney… and what it does to my heart. not just what i see, but how it makes me feel inside. and i know you get it too. sending you a hug and a kiss and wishes for the happiest of days. love you!
God is doing something in your life already! Just writing this blog, you have left an impression on my life and I’m sure many others. :) You are a wonderful Christian woman and I know you are making him proud.
AND you met the coolest chick in Orlando – finally!! =)
WOW~! Just the realization that— we are all here… all trying our best… all struggling… what a gift from DISNEY!
His plans for you are bigger and sweeter than you can imagine Tracie! Your story, the one He is writing is beautiful. So glad I got a chance to hug your neck and sit across the table from you. Blessed!
since I have known you he has been cooking up something in you…. Have a blessed Christmas season tracie!
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