Over the years, Disneyland has changed quite a bit. Some attractions have been updated while others have been removed to make way for new ones. I have seen the submarines change color from grey to yellow, the Country Bear Jamboree playhouse turn into Winnie the Pooh's adventure, Capt. Jack Sparrow join the Pirates of the Caribbean, and the Haunted Mansion turn into Jack Skellington's Haunted Holiday. In spite of all the revisions and refurbishments it remains one of my all-time favorite vacation destinations.
Our trips to Disneyland from San Diego usually start early in the morning so that we can arrive around opening time and enjoy a full day at the park. I have my choice of several freeways and routes to get there. On the other hand, in order to spend the least amount of time on the road I have to carefully select the quickest and shortest route. If I make the wrong turn or miss an exit and get on the wrong freeway it will mean more time spent driving and less time on the rides at the park.
photo courtesy of http://www.aaroads.com
Sometimes it only takes a small mistake, of being in one lane versus the one next to it. Imagine though, if after making a navigation error, I were to delay my course correction? Our time at the Happiest Place on Earth would get even shorter. What if I never got back on the right road? We'd end up in a totally different place altogether spoiling the whole point of the trip and ruining everyone's expectations.
There is a place greater and more wonderful than any earthly Magic Kingdom. The Kingdom of our Heavenly Father is glorious beyond anything we can imagine. The prophet Joseph Smith described it in this way:
"The heavens were opened upon us, and I beheld the celestial kingdom of God, and the glory thereof, whether in the body or out I cannot tell. I saw the transcendent beauty of the gate through which the heirs of that kingdom will enter, which was like unto circling flames of fire; Also the blazing throne of God, whereon was seated the Father and the Son. I saw the beautiful streets of that kingdom, which had the appearance of being paved with gold."
(Doctrine and Covenants, Section 137:1 - 4)
We have the commandents and doctrines of the church to guide us to that kingdom. They are our roadmap to eternal life. We sometimes make mistakes and veer off the right road onto detours that lead us away from that destination. We waste time in places where we didn't intend to go. The problem is that the longer we delay getting back onto the proper path the harder it is to return. If we never make the necessary course corrections, we will never reach the kingdom of our Heavenly Father.
"But behold, for none of these can I hope except they shall be reconciled unto Christ, and enter into the narrow gate, and walk in the strait path which leads to life, and continue in the path until the end of the day of probation."
(Book of Mormon, 2 Nephi 33:9)I hope that my family understands how important it is to remain faithful and true to the teachings of the Savior. Stay on the right road, and make whatever course corrections are needed to get back on the right path when you stray. I believe that we can make it to the end and enjoy eternal life together as a family.
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