“Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.” Romans 12:21 The Message
It was warm and sunny, a truly wonderful day. Much warmer than the day back home. I stared into the lush vegetation and beautiful blooms surrounding the amusement park. Enticing scents of funnel cakes and French fries wafted through the air. Giggles erupted beside me and I refocused my attention on our three daughters. It was such a blessing to see each one enjoying the moment with her sisters. A smile erupted as I etched the sight of their matching Minnie Mouse Ears into my mind. We should be making memories to last a lifetime.
Happy music played as our queue continued inching forward. “You’re at Disney, the most magical place on earth! Feel the smile you’ve been plastering on your face,” I chided myself.
But my mind kept jumping between prayer requests. I kept recalling the pain dear ones back home were enduring. My heart went out to these wonderful people as I was privy to their current heartache, and I kept lifting them once more to God.
I boarded the ride, sliding into the seat beside my husband and settling back into the warmth of his arm. The giggles continued in the row before us as we saw bobbing heads converge and the turn to see different displays. Soon, the repeating song of the ride was stuck in my head.
Right where God wanted it to be.
Because yes,
It’s a world of laughter and a world of tears,
It’s a world of hopes and a world of fears
There’s so much that we share
That it’s time we’re aware
It’s a small world after all.
It’s a small world after all
It’s a small world after all
It’s a small world after all
It’s a small, small, world.
There is just one moon
And one golden sun
And a smile means friendship to everyone
Through the mountains divide
And the oceans are wide
It’s a small world after all.
It’s a small world after all
It’s a small world after all
It’s a small world after all
It’s a small, small world.
And, God’s got that small world right in His hands.
It’s great to feel empathy and compassion for others. We are called to love others as ourselves. Yet, our compassion and concern for others and their situations should not control our lives. We can (and should) love. We should pray. Then, we should go about the business of living the life God gave us that day. We should carry our requests and concerns to Him, and leave them at His feet.
Let go, and let God. Easier said than done. Yet we must strive for just that. As I circled that ride, I experienced a lifting of the dark cloud of concern that hung over me. I envisioned each of those I loved and prayed for, right in God’s hand. I envisioned the earth in His hand. And I could finally settle into vacation mode and enjoy this precious time with my family.
Because it is a small world, in His hands. He’s got the heartache and the heartbreak, and He knows just how HE will redeem it all. We are not to let the world overcome us but let Him do what He is so good at, overcoming the world. We can learning to relax as we learn to surrender to God.
Reflections:
Do I let my concern for others overshadow what God has for me that day?
How can I practice carrying my concerns to Him, and leaving them with Him?
Prayer: Thank You God, that You are the Heavenly Father who knows. You see me, and You love me. You want to take care of everything, and You want me to trust You with everything, from the tiny baby to the nation full of people at war. Thank You, that You do indeed have our world, right in the palm of Your hand. Amen.