The Electric Cello

September 14, 2011 reflectinghisradiance

The emotions stir.  Mesmerized, the crowd gathers.  The performers offer an impressive act.  Could that be all?  An act?  The captivated audience in Downtown Disney pushes that thought away.  The man to the side runs the computer–and the show.  Besides, the cello is electric.

A beautiful fountain, illuminated with blue light, offers a perfect spot for pictures.  She poses with a beautiful smile.  Click.  No sooner does the shutter close than the smile disappears.  Does happiness flee so quickly, merely an illusion, like the powdered wig players that enchant the crowd on their electric instruments?

A girl and her beau enjoy the experience together.  What could be better?  Both are attractive.  But wait.  Do I see a black eye on her face?  Could it be from an unfortunate mishap–or a jealous boyfriend?  Perhaps he designed the whole evening a tool to keep her clinging to his arm, despite the pain he inflicts.

I see a family here on their dream vacation.  Then why do I still see in her eyes the look of an unloved wife?  Could it be that love cannot be bought, even with a magical getaway?  Does there exist a longing in every heart which cannot be suppressed, no matter how extravagant the attempt?

At the chocolate store, the young clerk cannot believe that two people would spend only $3.14.  Have the ideas of moderation and restraint become as foreign today as the ideas of Walt Disney were to his contemporaries?  Perhaps these once foundational principles have been replaced with the American way of indulgence and luxury.  We conveniently ignore all that our Creator has said about these “values.”  That way, we need not change.

Everywhere I look, color, movement, smells, and sights surround me.  The crowds get caught, like fish in a net, drawn by whatever they desire.  But what lies ahead?  Does the net take them to their doom?  After all the chocolate, ice cream, and candy, do the blood sugar crash and onset of diabetes complete the story?  Surely the credit card bills will supply the perfect ending.

People move all around me.  The exhibits move with frightening reality; they seem they could be alive.  So much life around me!  Or else none at all.  Even in the Christmas shop, I see no trace of my Beloved.  Since Jesus is the life, would not the absence of Him mean death?

While on the topic of death, let us examine another situation.  Surrounded by eager shoppers in the souvineer shop, I stand to the side and watch.  No one seems to notice me.  What if I had that day decided I wanted no more living?  What if I came hoping that someone–anyone–would just show some love, letting me know that my existence mattered.    Maybe just a smile would give me some hope.  But since no one could spare even that…

Pleasure Island–all the signs point me to it.  But if what I find only disappoints, perhaps it is only an illusion, like a cello that makes no sound.  This truth comes to mind: “The sorrows of those will increase who run after other gods,*” like those who come seeking satisfaction, yet leave emptier than before.  The words of my friend express this more truly than she wants to acknowledge, “I wonder if it’s funner when you eat there.”  I pose the question, “Did you find what you expected at the chocolate shop?”  She replies, “I think the smell was better.”

In the store with everything Disney, I see a perfect beauty, a precious baby girl.  My spirit longs to warn her, to spare her the grief of misplaced hope.  I long to keep her innocent, before the illusions of Pleasure Island disappoint.  If only I could share the Hope that found me.  Jesus alone satisfies.

“You fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand.*”

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*See Psalm 16

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