LOOK AT HOW FAR WE'VE COME!

Our family recently returned from a much needed vacation to Disney World in Florida.  We think Disney is one of David's most favorite places in the world!  We've been talking about how far David has come in regards to traveling.  Growing up, our family finances were always strained and I can only remember one trip, although our family took two family vacations.  When I was about three and David five, our family went to Florida to visit some family and to Disney World.  I do not remember this trip at all.  When I was about ten and David twelve, we went to West Virginia to visit family friends.  That trip has stories all it's own.  So, needless to say, David was not used to traveling, and had never stayed in a hotel.

The very first "vacation" Rich and I took David on was to visit some friends in Kokomo, Indiana.  It was to be a simple, one-night stay in a hotel to see how he would do.   David really enjoys driving in the car, so the drive down was great.  David seemed excited when we went into our hotel room.  (David loves lying in bed and watching TV, and that's how hotel rooms are set up!)

We had been in the hotel room for about an hour when we started preparing to go meet our friends for dinner.  Everything was going smoothly until we left the hotel room without our luggage.  David went bonkers!  We think he was afraid he'd never see his shape-sorter toy again!  Thankfully our friends were so understanding about David's constant groaning, moaning and waving his arms.  When we returned to the hotel room, it was as if you could actually feel David's blood pressure dropping when he realized his toy was safe and sound!

Fast forward about twelve years.  We now travel at least yearly with David.  He lives for the next hotel stay.  David has learned how to finger spell Days Inn and Disney and will frequently ask us to spell those words with him to let us know he's ready for another trip.  We have taken David to Disney World several times, Disney Land, Boston, Knoxville numerous times, Branson, and even on a cruise.  David is a great traveler.

David still has to grow in his traveling skills.  Disney started a great service several years ago that's called Magical Express.  If you are staying in one of their hotels, they will pick you up at the airport and take care of all your luggage - you don't even have to get it at baggage claim.   The first time we used this service David was nervous because we were "leaving" our luggage behind.  This most recent trip, I don't think David even thought about our luggage!  He grows with each trip.  He's even learning how to "pose" for the TSA pat-downs.

So, you are probably wondering what spiritualy application this has for us.  Well, my answer is that there's always room for growth and improvement.  David was in his thirties when he started traveling with us.  He wasn't too old to learn new tricks.  In our Christian life, we don't have to settle or be satisfied with where we are or what we are doing.  We can stretch our minds and habits to accomodate opportunities for growth.  When growth is uncomfortable, we need to trust our spiritual leadership that the pain we endure will provide for better opportunities.  David would never be able to enjoy Disney if he hadn't learned to leave the suitcases in the hotel room. 

When God gives you a situation that seems too painful or difficult to endure, just remember there is a spiritual Disney World waiting for you!