Just recently, I had the pleasure of taking two of our grandchildren, Luke and Tinlie, to Disneyland. It was a magical experience filled with laughter, excitement, and, for Luke, a confronting journey of facing his fears head-on.

Luke, who is seven years old, had always harbored a fear of roller coasters. The mere thought of zooming through twists and turns at high speeds filled him with trepidation. However, when we arrived at California Adventure and he saw The Cars ride, his eyes lit up with excitement. Despite his fear, he expressed a strong desire to conquer it and experience the thrill of the ride.

As we waited in line, Luke’s anticipation mingled with apprehension. He thought long and hard about whether he should proceed. Finally, with a determined look on his face, he decided to go for it. I could see the mixture of fear and excitement in his eyes as we boarded the ride.

Once the ride started, Luke’s initial excitement quickly turned to fear as we zoomed around corners and raced through the track. He screamed, clutched onto my arm for safety, and may have even shed a tear or two. But there was no turning back at that point. He had committed to facing his fear, and he was determined to see it through.

When the ride came to an end, Luke stepped off with shaky legs but a triumphant smile on his face. Despite his initial fear, he was exhilarated by the experience. And to my surprise, he even declared that he wanted to go on the ride again and again.

What struck me most about Luke’s experience was how confronting his fear of roller coasters opened the door to a world of possibilities. After conquering The Cars ride, he didn’t shy away from the other thrilling attractions at Disneyland. From Big Thunder Mountain Railroad to Rise of the Resistance, Luke fearlessly embraced each ride with newfound confidence and excitement.

Luke’s journey at Disneyland taught me a valuable lesson about confronting fear. It’s not about the absence of fear but the courage to face it head-on. By pushing past his initial apprehension, Luke discovered a sense of empowerment and liberation that allowed him to fully enjoy the magic of Disneyland.

As we returned home I couldn’t help but reflect on Luke’s journey of personal growth. His willingness to confront his fear of roller coasters not only enriched his experience at Disneyland but also served as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of facing our fears. Like Luke, may we all find the courage to confront our fears, embrace the unknown, and discover the exhilarating journey of personal growth that lies beyond.