“Disneyland, the happiest place on earth.” What a great slogan. Growing up in San Diego made Disneyland very accessible. I don’t remember my first visit as a child, and I would say by the time my brothers and I were in Jr. High School, we visited the park at least annually, if not more. We knew every inch of the park. We knew the shortest way to navigate the lines, and of course we knew where to find the best food. I promise not to give away any Disney secrets we discovered as kids, but I will say it’s just as cool behind the scenes as it is out in front. I love the way the park has something for every age, whether it be kiddy rides, roller coasters, fast food, or fine dining.

 One of my favorite things about the wonderful world of Disney is the Disney Characters that roam the park. Each character has a specific place where he or she is scheduled to hang out to sign autographs throughout the day and evening. The lines can get crazy long. I’m always surprised how some visitors are willing to use up their valuable park time waiting in line for a signature.  You would most often find me standing in line for Space Mountain or some other thrilling E-ticket ride, but as I said, the park has something for everyone.

 One afternoon I was sitting on the curb eating ice-cream purchased from my favorite ice cream shop on Main Street. I don’t recall who I was with that day, but I do remember sitting there alone, quietly, doing some serious people-watching. Perhaps I needed to take a break, or maybe I was with a shopaholic and opted out of the crowded stores.  Whatever the reason, I had positioned myself just outside the Disney Character’s “Cast” dressing room. Of course, being a seasoned Disneyland fan, I knew exactly where the dressing rooms were located.   I always watched the door if I was nearby. It was fascinating to watch.

 Disney has a rule regarding its cast members. If a character is in costume, they are in character. No exceptions. As many of the characters do not speak, a character can go hours without uttering a word if they are in costume. When Mickey Mouse walks out that door, he is 100% Mickey until he walks back inside. I think we used to watch to see if anyone broke the rules, and I can proudly say we never once saw such a thing.

 As I was sitting there, eating my chocolate-dipped cone, Goofy came bouncing out of the dressing room on his way to wherever he was going to meet and greet his fans. Directly in front of me was a father, holding his worn-out little girl. She looked like she was about three-years-old, and her fun tank filled to overflowing. As her daddy held her, she shyly watched the hustle and bustle of Main Street with her little chin resting on Dad’s shoulder and her sweet little arm around Dad’s neck.

Somehow Goofy happened to see her as he set off to his destination. He stopped, mid-step, and waved to her. At first, she just watched him with curious eyes and didn’t budge. But Goofy kept waving to her.  After a few moments, she slowly lifted her little hand and gave him the tiniest wave I have ever seen. But Goofy wasn’t done. He did a cute little dance for her and then blew her a kiss.  He was not leaving until he got this tired, precious, little girl to smile, which he did. He then waved goodbye and skipped off in his very Goofy way.  Adorable.

 Here’s the thing. No one, including the girl’s parents, knew this happened. I saw an amazing, touching, interaction, which is precisely what Disneyland is all about. You may say, “Well, Goofy was just doing his job.” Very true, but he could have just waved and kept going. He didn’t have to try so hard. As far as he could tell, no one was watching, but he stayed until the girl smiled. Goofy didn’t approach it as a job; he approached it as a calling.

I’m pretty sure I’ve never said this before, but I’m going to try to be a little more like Goofy. Sometimes all the little things in life aren’t interruptions to our calling. They are the most important part.

Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans – . John Lennon

Wishing you joy and peace,

Lorrie