There was a time in 6th grade that we were required to write a short story about anything we wanted. The story I wrote was entitled A Friendship Unforgotten. This project came to mind during my travels to the funeral of my friend, Ryan Scheer. The phrase “gone but not forgotten” came to mind first, but I was reminded of the title of my story because it was relevant. Ryan’s friendship was precious and certainly is unforgotten.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. . .” In some way, Ryan was a man who could exemplify these characteristics. He was a man with spirit, passion, and a Savior. I am thankful to have been friends with him and to have shared fun times together in school. I am thankful to the funny memory of the time I nearly broke my wrist as we worked stage together. I am thankful for the opportunity to help him with his enlistment in the Marine Corps. I am thankful for our brief text conversations catching up on each other’s lives. Today I am most thankful for the opportunity to have stood guard over his casket and fold Old Glory in his honor. Rest easy, Marine.
These last few weeks have been interesting with work, drill, life, and everything that comes with it. I had a few weeks of steady work as I came off AT, and then drill arrived and it started a weird procession of time. I got back from drill in mid-July (okay, so last weekend). There had been scheduled a 2-week turnaround where we come back from August drill. Well then I was informed of the funeral arrangements for Ryan and headed up to Greenville. So basically I drove up for drill, drove back from drill, flew up to Greenville, flew back from Greenville, driving up to Greenville next week, driving back to Orlando. Crazy times. Good times, but crazy.
My favorite part of my job at Walt Disney World is seeing our common goal being accomplished: creating happiness. the reason I came down to Florida was because I wanted to take part in Disney’s commitment to excellence. The Marines taught me about excellence. The Wilds taught me about excellence. Scripture teaches excellence. I’m drawn to what is excellent. Not only is the Christian expected to be excellent, but the world expects excellence too. Being a part of The Walt Disney Company has taught me that by being excellent we can accomplish our common goal: create happiness. The road to mission accomplishment does not end there. Not only do we do things excellently, but we go above what is the baseline for excellence. We go above and beyond what is expected so that people know they are valuable and not just another person on vacation. This company knows how to serve its guests.
Having been a part of four institutions with high standards, the similarities are unbelievable but for different reasons. The four institutions I have been a part of are Bob Jones University, The Wilds, United States Marine Corps, and The Walt Disney Company (and maybe five if you count growing up with my dad in the marines). The first two institutions have high morals and an inherent source for their standards of life and operation. The latter do not. Being a part of these four unique places has really opened my eyes to why I admire excellence and how I can communicate that admiration to believers and unbelievers. In short, I do what I do because it glorifies God. God is pleased with that which is excellent.
“Whether therefore you eat, or drink, or whatsoever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
1 Cor 10:31
Marine Corps boot camp teaches discipline, which explains the level of discipline and excellent demeanor people see. We are not complete savages. Okay, we are crazy, but we have enough discipline to allow the public to view us in high regard. Disney Traditions class teaches our common goal and how to accomplish it. So how can I take these varying principles to convince someone that excellence is expected and best? I suppose a way to explain it is to get your constituents, subordinates, or whoever on board. Make sure they understand the big picture and the part they play. If they are not all in, then there’s room for service less than excellent. Disney explains how we create happiness. The Marine Corps has a 241 year old tradition in excellence. The Wilds has a core value in excellence. Bob Jones University teaches that excellence is biblical and expected in future vocations. Now it’s up to the one who needs to understand excellence to come through. Are they motivated by biblical principle, the big picture, or both?
All of that made sense in my head, so hopefully it makes sense here. If not, shoot me a comment, email, or text.
The apartment that was supposed to be ready in June is finally almost [for real] ready. Thank goodness! I will plan to move in within the next week or two. If you would like my mailing address then just let me know and I can send it to you. I am still working on a home church. Any ideas? Calvary in Winter Garden is good, but it may be a bit far for right now. The people I work with are nice, and I enjoy what I’m doing. Hoping to aquire more responsibilities in the near future. It has been nice to see old friends in Greenville and up at camp. Glad to have seen you again and reunite!
My mind has been a bit scattered writing this. I even put a cool picture as the featured photo that is probably irrelevant. Please let me know if you have questions about something I may not have mentioned. Thank you for those who continue to pray for me. Please continue to pray that I find a home church, get moved into my apartment, and build solid relationships. Until next time: Be strong. Love God. Love others.
rejoice.always
The Wild Ride 
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