I’ve heard hundreds of times that “God works in mysterious ways,” and I know it’s true, but I never expected to see His caring love while watching guests at a Disney World attraction.
Three weeks ago, I was waiting for my family to finish riding the Dumbo ride when I spotted an odd group. There were two girls, probably college age, with three boys of the same age, and one woman.
It was the woman who attracted my attention. She was older, in a wheelchair, her white hair hanging just past her ears and a light blue sweater covering her thin shoulders. One of the boys, who I’m assuming was her grandson, pushed her up to their Dumbo and helped her to step in while the other boys held her arms for support.
Once seated the grandson hopped inside with his grandmother and she adjusted her sweater where there was a Disney World birthday pin. Her grandson put his arm around her while the two girls sitting in the Dumbo behind them took a candid picture.
Then the ride began.
They didn’t ride high up in the sky, or low near the water, but simply in the middle—his arm around her and that soft white hair blowing behind her. She smiled softly as they went around and around, a look of complete contentment on her face.
A simple ride, and a quiet moment in a park filled with thousands of people all with different stories.
As I watched, tears began to fill my eyes. It was a simple example of what matters most. A reminder that in all the hustle of this life, slowing down is a gift, not a curse.
Slowing down to make time for the things that matter most is a blessing.
There in that crowded park, I was given a simple reminder to cherish simple days, simple moments, and those closest to me.
As the ride came to an end, I watched as all five young adults helped the woman into her wheelchair and left the ride. They were lost in the crowd all too soon, but the attention to her and the care of her grandson is something I will never forget.
It reminded me of how intimately God is with us, day in and day out. He cares for, comforts, and spends time with us.
Today, my prayer is simple—a prayer to step away, go into my room, close the door, and pray. For the Lord will meet me there. (Matthew 6:6)
I don’t know what you’re walking through. Perhaps you’ve had a terrible weekend, or you’re dreading the start of another week. Maybe you feel lonely, anxious, worried, or even desperate. I don’t know. But what I do know is that there is a God who loves you, cares for you, and no matter what your age—you matter to Him!
Why? Because our God is an amazing, unfathomable God who longs to dwell with us—not by anything we have done, only by His great grace.
As I think back, the image of that woman and her grandson are implanted in my mind. I’m sure she had concerns, worries, perhaps feelings of loneliness or worthlessness, but there on that little Dumbo ride she looked as though all was right in the world.
With God, there is peace and contentment, a sharpening and changing of the mind and soul. Outside of Him there is only chaos.
Today my prayer is to lean into His arms and rest in trusting Him and who He is.
The great I Am.
23 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
3 He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness
for his name’s sake.4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
forever.
Meaghan Rauscher
Women’s Ministry Assistant