BLOG – Page 1027 – Disney Customer Service Keynote Speaker

We Were Just Talking

We all have them, don’t we? Moments that stop us in our tracks. Some, because of remarkable natural beauty. Some because of graphic video images. And some while in the parking lot.

After finishing a track workout at Disney’s ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex last Tuesday, and saying good bye to the new group of local runners I had just met, it was time to head to the car.

Something inside me said, “You should go over and thank her personally, one more time”.

Less than a minute into our casual conversation at the back of her SUV, I asked about some of the decals on the tinted rear window. And then my eyes found the third one, A persons name, and, 1983-1999.

Her 15-year old daughter was the first, in a group of friends, to cross a busy intersection and was struck by a car.

Life seems so unfair sometimes. I was devastated for this woman and her husband, even though it had happened 11 years ago. Do they ever forget? Do they ever forgive? How do they go on with life?

I just don’t know if I could, even though I know I should.

It was Tuesday night. We were just talking.

Pain & Suffering

It’s every where.

Isn’t it?

Do you have the weight of the world on your shoulders?

If you don’t, you will or you did.

And this can often lead us away from God.

So listen carefully, because this is profound:

If you do not feel close to God, guess who moved away?

God will never abandoned you for any reason. Never. Ever.

If you can’t grasp this concept, I believe you are missing the greatest gift ever bestowed to our Spirit and it’s called Unconditional Love.

Will Today Contain Love?

You have more Love inside you than you realize. I’m absolutely convinced of this. And last night at the Apple Store reinforced this.

Struck up a conversation with an Apple Store employee about Mid Life Celebration, and the whole five (different) daily blogs. The Apple employee looked very surprised. I mean, who writes five (different) daily blogs?

No one.

So anyway, after explaining the business model, the Apple Store employee shared a story about a homeless “beggar”. Instead of giving the beggar money, she went and bought him a meal (maybe from Subway) and then came back and gave it to him.

Wait, this is where it gets even better. She witnessed the beggar share half of the sandwich with another homeless person that she wasn’t even aware was nearby.

Will you do anything today to help make the world a better place? It doesn’t have to be big but it does have to contain Love.

And Not Only That

Deacon Jack was very grateful. Of the 1,400 people at that Mass, it’s highly probable that I’m the only one who said anything.

And because our Family is always one of the last to leave, Jack and I had an unhurried conversation. “What did you do for real work?”, I asked.

Deacon Jack gave his answer which included Sales and some other stuff I don’t recall. But the memorable thing he did in his career, to me, is that he was the Orange County Commissioner for eight years, starting in 1971, the year Walt Disney World opened.

Talk about politics and religion! His Faith must have been tested many times, and not only that, it probably still is. Just like you and me.

No Brainer

Our son (9) is a great student. Most kids are. They are on a huge learning curve. It was only a few years ago that they learned how to walk, then run, and climb a tree or ride a bike. Their ability to absorb new things far exceeds our own.

Why? Not sure it even matters. What matters is that it’s true. And so?

So imagine your responsibility opportunity to teach, and shape, and mold.

After Church this past Sunday, I made a conscious effort to tell Deacon Jack what an inspirational speaker he is. He thanked me and said I helped him answer his question to himself, “Am I making a difference?”

Being nice to people is a no brainer.

And yet we rarely do it.