If you stick around here very long, you will soon find out that I’m a huge Disney fan – always have been. I grew up in Central Florida so naturally I went a lot. It was in my back yard. I worked there during college. My Dad worked there. I took my kids there before they even cared. There is just something magical and wonderful and different about that place. I loved working there. I loved creating a place where people could forget about “the real world” if even for a few minutes. Where Dad was completely focused on his kids and Mom had a breathless smile of relief. That is what I loved.
Sometimes, though, some of the very best things about Disney go unnoticed until you’re somewhere else and realize what’s missing. Let’s see – things like how clean most everything stays. You will never lean on a railing and get chewing gum on your new jacket like you would at Six Flags (obviously I still have bitterness rolling around inside over that one!). Most people like their job and treat you with kindness and respect. The resorts are wonderful and the food is good and there is an endless array of things to do so that you never go bored – for even a second. Then there are the minute little details of animal friends made out towels every day and hidden mickeys in the wall. I just close my eyes and smile as I think about it.
One of the very best and most unnoticed treasures that Disney has ever produced is the movie Meet the Robinsons. There is no princess or prince charming to rescue her. There is no wicked stepmother or evil queen. There are no toys or cars – just people (ok, and a robot and some singing frogs here and there). There are people like you and me – weird, funny, shy, jock, nerd, musician, mom, dad and on it goes. If you’ve never seen it, here’s a short synopsis from PluggedIn.
I don’t think any synopsis written does the movie justice. The genius of the movie isn’t so much in the overarching plot, but in the nuances of the story line itself. There are lessons to be learned at every turn about friendship, parenting, telling the truth, hard work, what it means to fail and succeed, how sometimes we don’t need to know everything and even what family looks like (which is very cool for any kid who is adopted or parents who have adopted). There are so many more things that I can’t even remember them all. I really just need to watch it one day with a notepad in hand and write them all down. Then, I can really give you a play by play. Honestly, I would rather just give you enough of tease to make you find a way to watch it for yourself.
My kids pulled this one out from the hidden spaces this week and asked to watch it. We happened to be in the car and didn’t get far. I picked up my husband today for a meeting and had it playing in background. He asked, “Are you really listening to this?” “YES!” was my emphatic answer. “This has so many great lessons and truths. Why wouldn’t I be listening to it?” I’ve learned not to put God in box and to allow Him to use many different kinds of things to speak to me because I can view it through His lens.
We had this movie given to us on Blu-Ray just after we moved to Virginia. We didn’t have a Blu-Ray player so it just sat on the shelf collecting dust. One Christmas, my parents bought us a Blu-Ray player. I guess God knew what we needed, what I needed. He used this movie to speak to me time and again through a very trying time in our lives. He kept reminding me that “through failure you learn, from success not so much”, to “keep moving forward” and kept taking me back to pictures in scripture of those who lived out these truths. He reminded me to let things go and enjoy the moments. He reminded me that sometimes people are ugly and mean and rude because they desperately need love and maybe I was the person to give it (or pray for it).
The past few days have been incredibly busy for me. Truth is some things just had to be put on the shelf. I’m so glad that my kids pulled this out and that I got to listen. I guess God knew what we needed, what I needed. He used this movie to speak to me – again. I’m glad that I can learn from my failure (yes, I totally missed writing yesterday) and keep moving forward today. I’m glad that I was reminded that when people truly love you, they are there for you and encourage your dreams – even when you mess up. I was reminded that messing up isn’t the end, but often another beginning. I was reminded that families have fun together and taking that time is one of the most important things in the world. I’m glad I was reminded that sometimes people are ugly and mean and rude because they desperately need love – perhaps I am just the person to give it (even if it is just a smile and small kindness to someone I don’t even know). I needed to be reminded in this busy week that our lives are made in the small moments and little wonders of each day. I have to slow down. So again, I’ve looked really silly these past few days. I am constantly learning new dance steps in this rhythm of my life.
Maybe you are too.
Maybe you need a reminder today.
Keep Moving Forward.
I’m also a huge Rob Thomas (and Matchbox Twenty) fan. They are Orlando boys, you know. He has a great song at the end of the movie that I’ve included here as well.
Great Lord,
I am thankful that Your ability to speak to us knows no bounds.
Give me the eyes to see, the ears to hear and a heart to believe.
AMEN
