First on the list was the iconic “it’s a small world.” Ushered onto the third boat ride of the day, I crowed with pride, “We beat all those other people!” As we settled into our seats we were engulfed in the familiar children’s song and entered the first of many large rooms of the exhibit. Greeting us were animatronic children attired in brightly colored costumes representing the different peoples and regions of the world, “singing” the theme song in their own language. Room after room of these children represented all the peoples and cultures of the world. The boys were wide-eyed and intent as they listened to the song being sung in different languages as we entered each separate room. They enthusiastically guessed what traditional dress represented which country. “This is what the ‘Disney’ experience is all about.” I thought to myself.
Hurdled into a moment of unexpected contemplation, I realized with shame that I had abruptly gone about my morning absorbed in self-importance, singularly trying to “beat” everyone else. Unexplainably, words came echoing from a hymn sung in church recently: “Take time to be holy as the world rushes on…(William D. Longstaff; 1882).” With great joy and comfort, I sank into a peaceful moment of holiness – a gift from God right there on the holy ground of Walt Disney World.
Grateful for the moment of reflection I emerged wanting to see those around me rather than rushing past them. As we waited in line or talked to others in the park that day, I couldn’t help but reflect on “how God sees us.” My view of what it means to be “holy” was altered, too.
The ride through “it’s a small world” certainly made my Disney experience more thoughtful and I think that’s what Walt Disney had planned all those years ago. While “it’s a small world” was most likely not meant to be a representation of “God’s Plan,” I am fairly certain that even Walt Disney himself would appreciate the truth that revealed itself through that moment: How amazingly beautiful, clear and holy the world can be if we intentionally take time to see it through the eyes of a child.