Feeling Insignificant

We recently came back from a long over-due vacation to Florida where we visited Disney's EPCOT. I believe that it is a favorite of almost everyone I talked with. It is an incredible place.

We arrived early and were able to get on most of the more poplar attractions before the crowds set in. I believe that it was as I exited the attraction known as Soaring, where you experience many of the wonders of the world, that I first realized how insignificant I was feeling.

It had been a growing feeling as I shared EPCOT with all different types of people, speaking different languages and experiencing new and amazing things together. I was struck by how divided we have become in terms of race, natural origin, sexual orientation, political positions, and many other measures of the human condition and society today. Divisions did not matter in this space. People were enjoying the moment, their families, and the experience together.

My insignificance came, I believe, as a result of this sense of belonging. As the Disney song stuck in your head says...

"There's a great big beautiful tomorrow, Shining at the end of everyday. There's a great big beautiful tomorrow, And tomorrow's just a dream away"

Disney's dream was to create such a space. At the heart of Walt's vision for Disney World was the Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow (EPCOT), a living, working city where new technologies and processes could be tested out before being rolled out across the world. Walt died before the full dream could be realized but what was created still stands as a model for what could be.

I have kept the words of an unknow writer in mind for some time now. These word go..."dream no small dreams for they do nothing to stir the imagination." Disney's dream has stirred the imaginations of millions over the years, and well into the future.

Just as I felt insignificant because of a sense of belonging, I also feel great significance as a child of God, provided with unique knowledge and abilities and possessing a sense of wonderment and imagination. I am excited about the "great big beautiful tomorrow" and all it will bring. And I am optimistic that we can find common ground and experience these new opportunities together.