Life Lesson I Learned on Autopia at Disneyland
BlogDisneyFamilyParenting
Recently our family was at Disneyland for an evening of a couple rides and some time out. The kids are big enough now to finally drive their own car on Autopia. The look in their eye was priceless when I said, “You get to drive your own car”. That sentence might be one of the most empowering things you can say to a child. However, it was I who was in for a treat and one of the greatest reminders.
Autopia is a wonderful ride. The kids get to steer and power their own vehicle. The scenery is beautiful especially at night. Seriously one of the coolest looking rides as you travel over miniature bridges and streetlights. I road with my daughter Griffin and Noah road with Chantel ahead of us. Griffin was getting the hang of the gas as well as the governor on the speed. The biggest challenge was for her to steer in a way that didn’t hit the rail that the car rides on to keep everyone on track. It allows for steering around but not out of control. As Griffin tried to steer she would let off the gas and the car would go anywhere. I said, “Griff, you can’t steer a car that isn’t moving”. I sat on the ride almost silent as I thought about what I just said.
Griffin found confidence and realized the reality that she had a better chance of getting to drive if she kept on the power as she steered. The rail kept her in control and made a safe way for her to still drive without getting hit or going out of control.
In life I realize that God cannot steer my life if I’m not moving. The best way I can demonstrate my love for God and to trust in Him is through my faith in action. Stepping on the gas and moving forward in faith means being uncomfortable and taking risk. It is then that I can trust and know that He will direct my path, my course and outcome. So often I have lived the opposite: Convinced I own the road, can go anywhere I want and go as fast as I’d like. His way is far healthier for me, is tailor suited for me and is exactly what I need vs. what I want.
Life is about the journey not the destination. I sat with Griffin and wanted her to have the opportunity to enjoy the ride by getting the steering and gas figured out. It was most exciting to see her embrace keeping the steady gas to allow ease of steering. I thought, if this is how I feel about her, how much must my heavenly Father feel about me??
Have a blessed week and know you’re not alone on the journey. I’m glad you’re here.
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Recent comments
Katie Kelly 10 years ago
Thank you for sharing this. Your analogy with the Disney ride being similar to life and its joyful moments and its obstacles, really resonated with me. It is a great reminder of who is really in control and I am grateful for that.
noah fine art 10 years ago
Katie, great words. Appreciate your sharing!
Colleen M. 10 years ago
That profound moment when you pause amazed at the revelation in the moment. #Godisgood Thanks for posting! 🙂
noah fine art 10 years ago
Colleen, appreciate the words!
Randy Crane 10 years ago
Great connection, Noah. That guide rail is so important to give the “driver” confidence in where they’re going while giving them some freedom within that path, making sure they don’t hurt anyone else by going the wrong direction, and enabling the younger ones (like your kids) to have an experience they couldn’t have any other way.
A few weeks ago, I too wrote about the Autopia and what it can teach us (in my case, about looking for “signs”). If you’re interested you can read it here: http://www.leavingconformitycoaching.com/2013/06/autopia-unhelpful-signs.html. (If you have a moment to leave a comment on the post, I’d appreciate that as well.)
Christi Bunn 10 years ago
Great post and thought, Noah! Thanks for sharing with us on your journey.
Daniella 10 years ago
As always Noah you have a profound way of assimilating your daily life with your love for God and family, and it all makes sense. Such a wonderful gift to share with the rest of us.
noah fine art 10 years ago
Daniella, thanks so much glad you’re here!