At some point in our lives, we will all encounter trials. It’s the nature of the world we live in. Life is an undeniable roller coaster that we have no choice but to ride. Life is going to six flags and riding all the rides. Life has no height, weight or size restrictions. These rides are one size fits all. Recently and maybe ironically the theme park capital of the world Orlando has been on a roller coaster from hell. I couldn’t think of a more fitting week to write about my own roller coaster that, ironically, brought me to Orlando.
About a year and a half ago I faced one of the hardest times in my life. I went through a breakup that absolutely devastated me. I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life, and I felt completely lost. As the summer was quickly approaching I like all college students was searching for a job or internship. At the time, in light of my situation, I was hoping to find a job away from my hometown. I began searching for jobs at camps and resorts hoping to be the newest luggage boy or tour guide at the hottest summer getaways.
For reasons I don’t understand, I applied for this “Disney College Program” deal. I wasn’t really sure what it entailed, I just knew I could leave Minnesota and go work in Florida for the summer if I was offered the position. For those of you who don’t know me, I’m the least likely person to work at Disney World. I had no personal connections or love for Disney World; I was simply a kid trying to run from his problems.
After applying for the Disney College Program, I had a phone interview. During the interview, my interviewer explained the program would last from May to January or August to January, meaning I would have to miss a semester of school. Immediately, I became hesitant and expressed that I no longer had interest in the position; because, I didn’t want to miss a semester of school. My interviewer then asked if I’d like to finish the interview and that I could always decline the position if offered. This was by no mistake that she asked this question. I figured it wouldn’t hurt so we continued forward with the interview. I continued forward being completely vulnerable to my interviewer who was beginning to feel more like a therapist. I expressed my interest and that I was just looking for a place to go and get away from my life at the time.
Apparently she enjoyed my sob story. About a month later, I was offered the position and my parents and family convinced me to just go for it, so I did. I packed up my belongings and headed down for the most magical place on earth days after finishing my spring semester. I was quick to find not knowing the difference between Anna and Elsa was definitely frowned upon among my fellow co-workers and college programmers. Fortunately I had plenty of people around me with the inside scoop. I was soon to learn who Queen Elsa was and what a “hidden Mickey” was. Long story short the Disney College Program changed my life. I met people from all over the world. I lived with people from all over the states and even other countries or territories. My snapchat is filled with stories from all over the world. My Facebook timeline is filled with stories in other languages. It is by no accident I ended up being offered the job at Disney.
I remember driving up to the bluffs in my college town a couple months after my breakup. It was a bad day for me and I was still heartbroken. I will never forget this day; this moment could’ve been from a movie. It was pouring rain as I got out of my car and walked out overlooking the entire city of Winona. Struggling to distinguish my tears from rain, I was a sad wet mess. As I sat overlooking the city, broken and bawling, I remember crying out to God. “God, please take this pain away. Why did this have to happen? Why me? I can’t handle this anymore!” It was a day in March that I’ll never forget.
Fast forward to August of this same year. I had now been down in Florida since May and had a couple months working and loving life as a Disney College Program member. It was this day in August that brought everything full circle and I had this ah-ha moment. Sitting in my apartment, I thought back to that day in March when I was crying out and praying against everything that I felt was so terrible about my life. That was when God tapped me on the shoulder and said, “I bet you wouldn’t have prayed against that storm if you would’ve known the island you would discover in your shipwreck.” That is my story to a T. I never would’ve applied for the Disney College Program if I hadn’t gone through what I did. I wouldn’t have friends from all over the world or be the person I am today if I hadn’t gone through what I did. I wouldn’t have the experiences and memories I have if it wasn’t for that rough time in my life.
This is all to say there is a beauty in suffering. My mom and I became so open and close in this time because I needed anyone willing to listen, and bless her soul she was always there to listen. My relationship with God grew because I had to rely on him and trust that one day it would all make sense. I think there is a relation to sports or performing arts. The hours of practice you put in or the time spent conditioning is when you grow close to those teammates or cast. There is something about suffering with others that brings you together. Going through hell alone is impossible. Going through hell with others is possible. If your teammates and cast can keep going then so can you. You have to rely on each other for strength!
I believe the people in Orlando and all over the country currently have to do the same. The beauty in the tragedy in Orlando is the unity it has brought. What a beautiful thing it is to see the country come together. People put their differences aside and mourn together. In the heat of election season and such division in the political parties. it’s awesome to feel like one nation coming together. 9/11 is another time I remember feeling like life was on hold and people just came together. It’s our response to these trials that gives me faith in humanity. The people who commit these acts of terror have no power when we respond together. In fact it only makes us stronger. Candlelight ceremonies don’t bring out republicans and democrats but simply Americans. Let this act of terrorism be something that doesn’t break us but only makes us stronger.
So to you going through a rough time, or the people of Orlando, there is a beauty in this roller coaster we call life. Whatever place you are at, just know there is always a good in the bad. God bless those of you currently hurting, and god bless Orlando.
