On this day in 1969 construction began on Walt Disney World in Florida.

Walt Disney’s Disneyland was created as a place where families could go and lose themselves in a dream world of magic, make-believe, and fun. After its success, Walt had visions for another park, but on a much larger scale. He realized that he had not purchased enough land to do all he had wanted to do at the California site. The real world, he said, was still too close to his land of make-believe.

“I don’t want the public to see the world they live in while they’re in the park,” Disney said. “I want them to feel they’re in another world.”

Even though Walt Disney never lived to see the opening of Walt Disney World, his vision was fulfilled. From the moment you enter the park, there is a sense of wonder, excitement, and fantasy. At any given moment, you may see Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, or any number of Disney characters strolling along the grounds. You can cruise through a jungle, ride in a giant teacup, or blast through space.

The real world is nothing like Disney’s creation. All you have to do is listen to the news to discover a world filled with conflicts, crime, and tragedy. Jesus told his disciples up-front that their lives would not be trouble-free: “Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows” (John 16:33). But Jesus gives us a way to cope that is infinitely better than the fleeting fantasy escape of Walt Disney World. Jesus promises the Holy Spirit, our guide and comforter, to help us deal with our troubled world.

And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor, who will never leave you (John 14:16).

To Do

Find out more about the Holy Spirit. Read John 14:15-26 and John 16:5-15. Write down everything that the Holy Spirit will do for you.

Also on this day . . .

Today is National Grape Popsicle Day

1937—In California, the Golden Gate Bridge was opened to the public. The bridge connects San Francisco and Marin County.

1986—Mel Fisher recovered a jar that contained 2,300 emeralds from the Spanish ship Atocha, a ship that had sunk in the 17th century.

1994—The highest temperature produced in a lab was achieved at 918 million degrees Fahrenheit. Now that’s hot!

From Betsy Schmitt and Dave Veerman, 365 Trivia Twist Devotions: An Almanac of Fun Facts and Spiritual Truth for Every Day of the Year (Cincinnati: Standard, 2005). Scripture quotations are from the New Living Translation unless otherwise noted.