Good Times

I've not said much about my vacation yet. It was an amazing trip to Orlando (Disney World), Hattiesburg (to see E.L., Big Al, and Baby Kate), Gainesville (to see my family), and then a quick run through downtown Fort Worth to see the sights (namely Peters Bros. hat shop).

So let's talk about this trip, piece by piece. But not all at one time.

I blogged about Disney a couple of years ago, and thought we wouldn't be returning anytime soon, but due to the generosity of a church member, we were blessed with a free week in a two-bedroom timeshare on Disney property.

Yeah, we're blessed beyond measure.

Let me simply say this: as a believer in free-market enterprise and capitalism, Disney is the company all others aspire to be. It is, without a doubt, the best-run corporation in the United States, at least from a customer service perspective. They bend over backwards to make sure that you and yours have a fantastic time. The park was PACKED while we were there (4th of July week), and we STILL had great experiences.

JB used our good friend "Tour Guide Mike" and made a plan for us each day. We rode all the rides, saw all the shows, hugged all the characters, and stayed for the fireworks.

Sidenote: the 4th of July fireworks at Disney World are, WITHOUT QUESTION, the greatest fireworks I HAVE EVER SEEN. EVER. I want to describe them to you, and I am certain words will fail. But, if you can imagine this: while you are standing on the Main Street of Disney, the fireworks explode at 360 degrees around you while patriotic music plays. I cried. Seriously. (Of course, I also cried at the Hall of Presidents, so there might be some odd patriotic thing going on with me these days.)

Favorite rides—Ben: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad; Drew: Splash Mountain; JB and me: Rockin' Roller Coaster; Al: Expedition Everest; Kate: Dumbo and/or Winnie the Pooh.

Other interesting things: 1. The Monorail crash did happen while we were there, but we were safely asleep in our beds. 2. If you can stay week, DO IT. We took naps and swam every afternoon. Worth it. 3. I don't care how much fun you're having, when small children get tired, they start crying.

And what would a Disney post be without some sort of theological musing?

Disney is the definition of spectacle. That's why people love it. But there comes a moment (at least for me), when I tire of the spectacle and long for reality. God has created us for Sabbath and rest, but He has also created us to engage the world—the real world. I enjoy Disney immensely, but I am ready to return to reality; that's where the good stuff (the real stuff) happens.

That having been said, Disney is also the locale of creativity. I stand in awe of their ability. Serving a creative God, I am thankful to see people living out that aspect of God's image.