Charis Corner: Stories of Grace in a Broken World
Disney World. A magical place. Above you can see my kids
meeting Elsa. This is the moment we’d waited for. Check out their reactions.
Rudy D. is smiling and happy (and blinking). Ella is playing with her ear,
because she’s recovering from a nasty cold. Addy is so focused on her Anna
dress, she missed Elsa wrapping her arm around her. Not at all the picture I’d
imagined, but not surprising when you have twin two-year-olds.
Isn’t this true of life? We look forward to vacation or date
night or the weekend. We pour all of our excitement and hope into this time,
missing everything happening along the way, and end up disappointed in the
turnout. Sometimes it seems nothing can live up to our expectations or hopes.
Other days, we feel like Alexander (and the Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day)
where nothing goes right. So much anticipation. So much disappointment.
Thankfully, I didn’t let my feelings ruin the trip. When I
started feeling this way, I turned to God, and He helped me see the good.
Despite bloody noses (seriously, Rudy D. had four in 24 hours), little sleep,
restless and crying children, 5 a.m. airport times, and aching muscles from
carrying squirming children, we had so much joy. We only had one (half) day of
rain, sunny skies, mostly low wait times, and hit most attractions we wanted. Best
of all, none of our flights on the way home were delayed or cancelled.
One thing I learned was how important my attitude truly was.
When I was excited…okay, smiling and skipping like a ten-year-old…so was
everyone else around me. The twins and Rudy D. would cheer, “Woohoo!” and clap
their hands. But when I started muttering, rolling my eyes, and snapping, the
kids reciprocated my feelings. I realized how much our attitudes and reactions
to life directly impact those around us and those watching. People were
impressed how positive we were despite the handful of trouble we had with five
children, aged five and younger.
Ephesians 5:8-9, 15-16: For you were once darkness, but now
you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit
of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth). Be
very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making
the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.”
