Story Time

So, we just returned from Disneyworld yesterday, where all our dreams came true (at least temporarily, as someone pointed out). Of course we had the time of our life, and our little girl was almost overcome with excitement meeting all her favorite characters, especially the princesses.

I myself can't get enough of the rides. They thrill, entertain, and delight me. What's so amazing about Disney rides is how they pull you into a story, even while you're still in line. In Pirates of the Caribbean, you walk through a dark, cool cave to get to the boats; the Dinosaur ride debriefs you on your mission to travel back into time to retrieve a live specimen for research; and Stitch's Great Adventure is a training operation for new guards in its alien incarceration facility.

The best rides are those that not only tell a story from beginning to end, but incorporate the guests into the story. We believe, just for a moment, that we really are pirates, princesses, scientists, space rangers, even bugs, and that maybe, just maybe, we really can fly.

Stories are powerful; this is ancient knowledge. What excites me, though, is finding new ways to tell the stories, exciting ways to include more and more people into the stories. If Disney can convince little girls that they are princesses, and moms and dads that they are heroes, there must be a way that we can tell the story in a way that everyone can truly believe, know, and experience, that we are all precious, powerful, beautiful creations of an amazing God.

And this ride never ends.

Let Them See You Sweat

Every couple of months, I curl up with my Women's Health magazine to learn about all the latest advice for a healthy lifestyle. In every issue are at least a couple of perfect workout routines designed to tone and shape. Last fall, I ripped out the few pages with a special winter workout, an intense, but relatively short workout that included both resistance and cardio training, intended to keep the metabolism revved and ready for spring in just two sessions per week. This sounded great, since my winter workout schedule is usually very pathetic; I spend the first couple months of spring just trying to catch up to where I was in the fall.

So over the next month or so, I faithfully visited the gym twice a week and executed the workout precisely. Yes, I was the only person there carrying around magazine pages, but I was feeling stronger and leaner after just a couple of weeks. Unfortunately, the motivation slowly waned, and after a couple of months, I just couldn't force myself to the gym anymore. The mornings were too dark to venture out of bed, and the evenings too cold to go back out again. Besides, after a few weeks, the workout routine was boring and tiresome.

One evening, when I somehow managed to drag my body to the gym but still couldn't muster the will to hop on the treadmill, I walked over to the fitness classroom to check out the evening's schedule. That's where I met Steve's Total Body Conditioning Class. With no real idea what it was, I shuffled into the classroom, mainly because I couldn't think of anything else to do. An hour and a half later, every muscle in my body ached, all my energy was spent, and I was in love.

The simple truth is, I just can't workout alone. Not for any extended period.

I need the discipline of a scheduled meeting time.

I need people who will ask me where I was when I miss a class.

I need Steve's killer body in front of me to remind me of my goal.

When my muscles are whining, I need the woman beside me who hasn't stopped her push-ups, shaming me into continuing mine.

I need someone expecting more of me than I expect of myself.

I need to be in a group that shouts, "Yeah!" at the top of their lungs when Steve asks, "Feeling good?" even if we all feel like collapsing.

I need the high five and the "Great job!" at the end of class.

I'm ready now to admit that the task of maintaining physical health is too difficult to do on my own. It just won't happen. Judging by the size of Steve's class, this is true for many people.

The same goes for spiritual health. Actually, most people (including me) find this one even more difficult. We need a total body conditioning class for our souls.

Some people call it church.

So, I'll see you there. And if it helps, I'll give you a high five and a "Great job!" after worship.

But I'll also expect you to push yourself even harder next time.

Me and Mickey

We're heading out to Disney World in a few weeks. I've always wanted to go, and now my child gives me the perfect excuse. Honestly, though, I'm even more excited than her.

Every other day she and I pull up Disney's web site and explore the virtual Magic Kingdom. We study the park map, review the videos and pictures of all the rides, and envision the spectacular night parade. The vacation fun grows in our minds each and every time.

Some might say that building up this much anticipation ensures disappointment, but Aliyah and I heartily disagree. We believe the anticipation increases the pleasure of the trip and broadens the enjoyment time. It's like we're enjoying our vacation little by little even weeks before the official start time. When we actually arrive and see in person all that we've dreamed, it can not disappoint, because we are determined to love every minute.

Heaven, too, will surely inspire excitement for all present, but those who have anticipated its pleasure longest will find special satisfaction. And as long as we're planning on spending eternity in this place of infinite beauty, wonder, and joy, in the presence of pure and perfect love, why not start enjoying it now?

At least, that's why I worship.