Sunday, August 31, 2008

Cheap Substitutes

We had a great, long drive South today. We left home a little before 7am. As we loaded the car K looked at the dark sky and said, "Wow! We get to stay up early today!" Nine hours later we arrived in Orlando. The children were incredible troopers on the drive down considering they were all awake the entire time. They were, however, completely wired when we finally got out of the car. They were wild, silly and loud! We let them blow off some steam at the pool (where K slipped and got a black eye--ugh!) before heading in to bed.

As we were trying to wrangle them upstairs to our room to settle down for the night they wanted to play in the lobby, especially once they spotted an arcade. We tried to explain that their experience at the Magic Kingdom tomorrow was going to be so much more incredible than the arcade, but they needed to rest in preparation for all that was in store. It was clear they did not get it. Tomorrow is an unknown. No matter how we describe it, they are drawn to the cheap flashing lights of the arcade in front of them, more than the prospect of a wonderful place they have yet to see or experience.

Again, I am reminded of my own life. I am ashamed of how often in my almost 34 years I have settled for the right now that I can see rather than hold out for the true prize that was uncertain! It is a tragedy of our human nature how often we settle for cheap substitutes. In this Summer's study of No Other Gods, Kelly Minter commented on the subject of counterfeits. She explained that people who deal with currency are trained to spot counterfeits by becoming intimately familiar with the real thing. By studying the real deal they become more able to spot something that does not measure up.

This is why we must school our children in truth constantly--so that they will never settle for anything less.

11 comments:

Shara said...

I absolutely love your blog. you always speak truth with such love and grace. Thank you for what you do here!

Dee said...

I'm glad you had a good drive down. Can't wait to see pics!

storey said...

HAVE SO SO SO SO MUCH FUN!!! CAN'T WAIT TO SEE ALL THE PICTURES YOU'LL HAVE FROM THIS AMAZING TRIP FILLED WITH MEMORIES!!! THEIR GOING TO LOVE IT! THINKING ABOUT YOU GUYS HEAPS! PRAYING FOR YOUR TIME THERE AND YOUR SAFETY! TELL EVERYONE I SAID HELLO!

k and c's mom said...

I was so glad to see your blog updated! Can't wait to hear your stories of finding God in the little corners. Even the lobbies of Disney hotels! Hope the rain doesn't overshadow the trip. What a wonderful time is ahead of your family. Maybe after a day in the Magic Kingdom you should ask the 3 if it was better than the arcade....

georgiamom said...

Have Fun!!! I can't wait to hear all about it!! Love ya'll, M

lucinda said...

I just want to say WOW! I am impressed that you all made it to Orlando in 9 hours. That is even more awesome with 3 children. The last time we went to Orlando ( non-Disney trip), it took us 11 hours and we didn't even have Will. Again, very impressive travel time.
I hope you all have a great time. We're planning to go in the spring, so I'm looking foward to your stories about the kids and the experience of it all.

Kim said...

Have a wonderful vacation! Thanks for sharing with us here in blogland. Great analogy to cheap counterfeits.... Wonderful reminder from the NOG study! Thanks!!!

Sherri said...

I love your analogies so much!! You are right, though, it is hard for a child to sometimes see past the moment that they are in!!!
Have a great time...I know you will!

Lori said...

Have a wonderful time! Can't wait to see pictures. Disney is so much fun.

Blessings,
Lori

nicole aka gidget said...

such a great point! I did the NOG book this summer too (thru Beth Moore's blog) and really loved it. Kelly had so many great points that really touched me.

His Doorkeeper said...

I have read your blog for over a year now but have rarely ever commented. I just had to say what a wonderful thoughtful insight you spoke of today. Such truth!

Thanks so very much!

P.S. Your children are delightful and I love hearing what they say!