and so i did. what a treat. i've never been, of course, as this was my first experience in florida. and even with allergies, away i went, at the break of dawn until the closing hours, walking my way through the magic of life without responsibilities.
the picture is of the 'fantasia' version of mickey mouse, when he tries to be the sorcerer's apprentice. it has to be my all time favorite mickey version. epcot was having a garden experience, so this is what i saw! epcot is amazing, and i highly recommend going to experience it at least once! i enjoyed all four parks, however; each with their own uniqueness. this was a wonderful way to end a world-wind event like general conference. in fact, i ended up playing 'catch-up' so much when i returned that i never was able to post a blog last week. go figure. i'm sure you probably all understand what it is like to run out of time!
if you have never been to florida -- i'm told it really isn't the south; it is its own state of being! -- you'll know the concept of 'hot and humid'. but, it makes for a wonderful paradise setting for flowers; you will see hibiscus all over the place; very tropical. these happened to be just outside my room.
after having been surrounded by a 'world full of people' at general conference, however, i expected disney world to have a similar feeling. not so. i was reminded once again what 'white priviliage' brings in the form of what people can afford and not afford for vacation.
while we still live in a flat-line economy, what i noticed was how few cultural/ethnic-minorities there were in disney world. european visitors, but not a lot of people of color. lots of strollers (they have 'stroller parking' everywhere you go) and a lot more scooters. and lots of school-age children ... i only had the summers off for family vacations. i'm so old!!!
but at the end of the day, there is no more magical thrill than to watch fireworks and the reflection of 'the castle' in the water. i really like this picture; not that i'm a great photographer or anything, but it is interesting to me. and it does allow me to remember that 'when you wish upon a star', no one wishes for harm or hatred, but peace and renewal and all good things. that perhaps is really the magic of what disney brings to our world; an opportunity to let the real world slide by for a while, so that joyousness can happen. even when overly tired children cried (do children really stay up all vacation time until they are just beside themselves with tiredness -- ok, i was a parent once of tiny children, but there comes a time with 'naptime is best' -- even on vacation!) i said a prayer of thanksgiving ... i'm so glad i'm beyond that age of young parenting! and i said that prayer without guilt!!! it is the beauty of being able to get away from it all ... something we all need; a time of renewal, a change of pace, and a reminder that all work and no play makes the world 'un'-magical!
and so i returned to merced; safely, and my desk and computer ready to have me back. i appreciated that the merced church folk were able to be cared for by others while i was away, and that neither me nor they had to worry about 'what to do'. i am blessed by serving with wonderful people who aren't dependent on me, but who are self-sufficient, and genuinely care for my welfare, as i do for theirs...amen!
on another note, i also share my thanks for the prayers and concerns for our community on mother's day with the discovery of a homicide victim whom i found in my neighborhood while out walking before worship. i was grateful to be able to come to worship and pray with the community for the family of this (at that time) unknown victim, and to be able to pray for the welfare of our community and world and we yearn to be a people of love and peace. we've still got so much work to do in that area. may we be faithful to live toward a loving world of peace. . . .
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