October 1, 2026
Several days ago, some pictures from 2021 showed up on my Facebook account. One of the pictures brought back a vivid memory of a special day.
It was a picture of when Wayne and I took the three youngest grandchildren to Disney on Ice. At that time, Lottie was four, Camden was five, and Liza was seven. They had counted down the days, anticipating the “show.”
I don’t know if you have ever been to Disney on Ice, but there are usually light and sound effects such as fireworks, loud noises, smoke, etc. I was a little concerned about Liza going because she dealt with some sensory issues. I knew she needed to be “warned” before these things happened. I asked as we went into the show if and when these things would occur. I was told it would only be in the second half of the show and would just involve a fire-breathing dragon. I relayed this information to Liza and told her I would hold her hand and be right beside her when it happened. However, the lady who gave me this information was wrong, and I mean very wrong! There was a fire-breathing dragon in the second half (which, by the way, was Camden’s favorite part), but there were also flashes of light, fireworks, loud pops, and other noises and lights all throughout the show.
I sat by Liza, and every time something would happen I was a little concerned that it might be the “end of the show” for her. Surprisingly, she did so well! On the way home that day, I remember telling Liza how very proud I was of her for handling all those lights and noises and not getting upset or letting it bother her. God spoke to me through Liza’s response. She said, “Mimzy, I was really scared, but I was too satisfied to get upset.”
The show was so satisfying to Liza that she overlooked the things that were happening around her that could have upset and frightened her. Wow! Immediately God spoke to my heart asking, “Jill, what satisfies you enough to overlook all the distractions this life throws your way? Is it me?”
I was instantly convicted by Liza’s words. I knew Liza very well, and because of that I was aware of how hard she had to focus on the good to not let the noises and sounds distract her. Isn’t that what we all need to do as well?
This life throws so many unexpected distractions. It doesn't matter whether it includes flashing lights, loud noises, problems, or heartache; they are all unexpected distractions. Are we satisfied in just knowing God is with us? Is that what we focus on? I know there are times when I have to say I don’t. I allow the distractions to get the best of me, which in turn makes me dissatisfied with my situation. In Isaiah 58:11, it says, “The Lord will guide you always; He will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.” To me, that says when I am in need, when I am uncomfortable, and when I am weary – God will satisfy. Most of my problems and issues fall into one of those categories – in need, uncomfortable, or weary. In all of these circumstances, I just need to focus on the fact that my God will satisfy - always.
The other thing I noticed from Liza that day was that she made a choice, and for her it was a difficult choice. She could have chosen to let those lights and noises upset her, but I think she knew if she got upset, she would end up missing some of the show. She chose to be satisfied.
Don’t you feel like we have a choice as well – satisfied or dissatisfied, contented or discontented - it’s a choice we must make. The temptation to be discontented is everywhere in this life. True contentment or satisfaction can only come from knowing God and delighting in Him. We must make the choice, regardless of what is going on in our lives, to work through the distractions, celebrating the fact that we have a loving, caring, merciful Savior. He can and will always bring true satisfaction to our lives if we just allow Him to.
I am reminded that Christ loved me enough to die for me, for you, and for all our sins. Our satisfaction with the life we are living is nothing compared to the price that was paid for us to have this life. The picture I have of Liza at this show just flooded my memory and blessed my heart when I saw it. I pray that we will all strive to live each day too satisfied to get upset.
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Jill Johnson finds spiritual applications in her everyday experiences as a wife, mother, grandmother, and Georgian. Jill is retired from the Georgia Baptist Mission Board and is available to speak to your church's women's gatherings. Reach her at jjohnson@gabaptist.org.
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