01-28-25

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
January 28, 2025
Donna and I were watching a short documentary on the making of the Jungle Cruise ride at the original Disneyland Park in California. There is the classic line where the boat skipper takes the boat behind Schweitzer Falls, named after the famous explorer, Dr. Albert Falls, and the skipper says (from the backside of the waterfall), “The Eighth Wonder of the World, the Backside of Water.” When the Jungle Cruise first opened, there was only one joke, and calling it a joke was probably a stretch. For the most part, it was a serious ride. As the years passed, Walt himself recognized the need for a refreshing change, and so he assigned one of his talented animators to revamp the story. This involved incorporating a variety of puns, groaners, and a few jokes that were so bad that you had to laugh. Since then, there have been those that have stuck and new ones that have made the list. Legend has it that the “backside of water” joke was a nod to Walt—for you see, when they were creating some of the stained glass windows for one of the attractions, an artist suggested they use less expensive material than actual stained glass because it really wouldn’t be seen by the guests. Walt immediately responded, “But I can see it.” The idea was that every angle, every component, every piece had to be just right. Integrity included what wasn’t seen by the public. Whether that is Disney folklore or not, that will preach!

I want to be the best version of me that is possible, and I believe it will begin with the integrity of my convictions, even those parts of my life the world does not see. May it be so, O Lord! Amen.