va-ca-tion [vey-key-shuhn]
noun
a period of suspension of work, study, or other activity, usually
used for rest, recreation, or travel; recess or holiday:
Schoolchildren are on vacation now.
And the discussions have been semi- (and I stress semi) successful due to the fact that Kendall had a recent vacation to the beach as a point of reference.
We've discussed what a vacation is NOT:
- something done often
- cheap
- done with little notice or preparation
- done in one day
- anywhere in our immediate future, as in, tomorrow
And who can I thank for this? ABC and America's Funniest Home Videos. The season finale, broadcasted from the Magic Kingdom, was basically an hour long infomercial for The Greatest Place On Earth. And Kendall has been hooked ever since.
Do not be fooled. The Disney execs know what they're doing. I mean, how many parents are now succumbing to pressure and booking their tickets ASAP? Gabe Goza hasn't buckled. Yet. (And those of you who know him know full well that it'll take much patience and perseverance to do so.)
But ever since seeing it, Kendall is convinced we're going to Disney World. Soon. It's the last thing she mentioned when going to bed, and the first thing out her mouth when she woke up.
Kendall: Mama, where we go today?
Mommy: We're going to Kroger.
Kendall: After Kroger we go to Disney World, ok? I see (and she begins ticking them off) Red Minnie, Mickey, Goofey, Donald, Cinderelly...
See, in her two-year-old mind, adding an "ok?" to the end of a request makes it a guarantee. (Sorry girl.) To her she just doesn't see the big difference between a quick weekly trip to the grocery and a trip to Disney World. I guess it's just child like wonder and simple faith. So far her parents have given her everything she needs (but not necessarily desires), so why would this request be out of the realm of possibility? Now, I know mostly her lack of judgment has to do with her inability to understand lapsed time (as in how LONG it takes to drive to Orlando for starters) and she doesn't understand, process nor analyze and over complicate the details. She hasn't factored all the impossibilities such as adequate funds, time off work, prior responsibilities and the sort. She's secure in her parents' love, she knows they want the best for her and she has experienced their lavish love. She doesn't dwell on the negatives, pays no mind to the nay sayers and believes all things can be possible.
And it got me to thinking of how we relate to God our Heavenly Father.
I guess that's why Jesus said, "unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 18:3) He wants us to focus not on the negative, quit over analyzing and worrying, and simply trust Him by faith. Disbelief and doubt settle in when we, well, over think like adults.
"And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." (Hebrews 11:6)
All too often I get bogged down in discouragement and doubt. I question God's faithfulness and sovereignty. I choose to dwell on the impossibility of the situation rather than the wisdom and lovingkindness of God. I'm reminded of when Peter walked out on the water at Jesus' bidding. But as soon as he took his eyes off Jesus and onto his surroundings he began to sink. He was afraid and cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” (Matthew 14)
God in His immeasurable wisdom knows more than me, loves me more than I can imagine, and has good things planned for me in His perfect timing. In the meanwhile I am to trust Him. That's my part of the deal. Trust that every word from His mouth will come to pass. Trust that He alone is my salvation. Trust that He is holding me in the palm of His hand so therefore everything that happens, good and bad, is filtered through him. Trust above all that He loves me.
Now, in conclusion, will we take her to Disney World? Of course! Will it happen on her time table? Probably not. But our delay is not because of lack of love or affection. We're not saying no just out of spite. The timing is not right. There a factors and details of which she is not aware. And even if we did attempt to explain it she wouldn't understand. We can see a much bigger picture of our plans over the next few years than she. And in our parental wisdom we know how much better it will be to wait a little longer. (For one reason of many: potty training!)
And if you missed the infomercial propaganda, don't worry. Kendall can give you a play-by-play commentary on request, or even unsolicited if you're lucky.
Thanks AFV. Thanks ABC. And Disney World, we'll see you soon. Eventually.
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