I must admit that I have be a little hesitant to get truly excited about our Disney trip. Truthfully, it just all felt a little trite and cliche--like I was giving in completely to the stereotype of the suburban American family. Until today...
This morning I spent 2 hours going over our Disney trip with the fantastic woman who planned it for us. She handed over a three ring binder with each day carefully planned (including options and back up plans, rain plans and free time). As we walked through all the details I started squirming in my seat in Starbucks like a 4 year old. I left our meeting and headed straight for the Dollar Tree to stock up on snacks, cheap Disney toys, ponchos, neon bracelets and necklaces and toiletries. I dashed to Blockbuster to take advantage of 8 day rentals on the Disney favorites we have still not seen (Country Bears, Swiss Family Robinson, Pocahontas). I gassed up the car, took it through the car wash, got cash at the bank---truly joyful as I completed my errands as I pondered how blown away my children were going to be by this experience.
Then I had a precious revelation. This must be a fraction of how God feels as he prepares blessings for us, his children.
"Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! Matthew 7:9-11
My children were in school, completely oblivious to all of the preparations that were being made on their behalf. How often am I in the same boat--going about my daily duties unaware of all that my God is up to?
"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. John 14:1-2
Thank you, Father, for this reminder of your affection for me. Oh, how ashamed I am that I take you SO for granted. Help me trust in your unchanging character. Thanks for loving me so much.
10 comments:
I hope the trip is more special than you even think it will be. Have fun!
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You're the kind of mother I want to be one day.
Praying you have a safe & amazing trip! It's always great when you feel prepared for the vacation. And, I LOVE the analogy of God preparing blessings for His children. Beautiful. Thanks for the inspiration today! Have a great time...
I love the comparison..what a great thing to read first thing this morning.
We love Disney and plan to go back next summer. Part of the fun for me IS the planning :). I've never thought about putting the glow bracelets and necklaces on my children at night...so cool!!!
Have a GREAT trip and take lots of pics!!!
What a beautiful way to describe your feelings that day and His feelings for us. Have a WONDERFUL trip! Can't wait to see your pictures!
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You will LOVE Disney. Your kids are at the perfect age and it will truly be "magical" for them. We went 3 weeks ago and it was wonderful. If you haven't already gone, look for "autograph" books at the dollar store. They're $10+ at Disney. The kids loved getting all of the characters autographs.
Have fun!!
What wonderful parallels you have drawn. I love the image of God being at work behind the scenes of our lives preparing to blow us away.
We took our kids to WDW for the first time earlier this year, and the looks on their faces when they glimpsed Cinderella Castle for the first time were just priceless. I think my husband and I enjoyed it far more this time (with kids) than we did the last time we went (before kids).
Definitely agree with kirkkrew to go stocked with autograph books. You'll start encountering characters as soon as you arrive, and the kiddos will want something for them to sign. We were able to get an autograph book that also had a place for photos on the facing pages which worked out nicely.
Have loads of fun, and post pics when you can! Praying that you all will make memories you'll cherish decades from now ... and not go broke in the process! ha!
I must say that your blog brings me so much joy each time I visit. I only come over here every now and then, but when I do...I am truly blessed by your triplets and your honesty in mothering. Thanks! ; )
What a great reminder! Don't you love how parenting (sometimes) tells us so much about God's nature! Have fun on your trip!
I hope you and your family have a wonderful time. My husband and I went in December (we don't have kids yet) and we had so much fun. It does bring out the kid in you and I didn't mind a bit! :)
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