The Magical Kingdom

By Norine Rae –

Imagine yourself living in a magical kingdom where anything is possible. Sorrow and pain are no longer the norm, but are replaced with joy and laughter. Each of us, each day, is given the opportunity to wake up and give thanks for the day.

Years ago I met a woman, Angie, who was over one hundred years old, and when I asked her what her secret to happiness was she said, “God gives you the day and it is up to you to enjoy the moment.” At her one hundred and first birthday party I told her I wanted to be like her when I grew up. Angie’s response was, “Oh honey you’re going to be better”.

When I visited her at the hospital just before her death she was still encouraging me. She was grateful for her life and all that she had done and seen even though she had endured much loss and sickness in her life.

Angie Accui was a mentor to me and reminded me of the wonderful kingdom in which we live. There is joy unspeakable in this kingdom when we allow the Lord to be our prince. We need to just open our eyes to the possibilities and the beauty around us. Years ago when I was struggling with my marriage the Lord told me to stop being like Cinderella crying in the embers by the fire. He told me to get ignited by the flame and bring warmth and love to others.

Joy is a choice and we can bring love to others through a kind word, tender hug, or act of kindness. I have learned over the years that it is not the millions that we may touch, but it is the one. Each person that we take time with can be touched by the infinite love of God through us. As we show compassion to the world we make a difference just like Angie. She saw and lived in the magical kingdom.

To be a person who sees the magic you have to look beyond the circumstances of difficult circumstances. You need to concentrate on the hope for tomorrow while giving thanks for today. This week a friend of mine had both her phone and new bike stolen. In China this a big deal, where your phone is your lifeline to others and your bike is your main form of transportation. She lost all her contact information yet, she chose to be thankful rather then angry.

All of us go through difficult situations. But challenges can make us stronger if we don’t allow ourselves to become bitter. Thankfully we don’t have go through life alone, but we can reach out to God, family and friends so be sure to keep these relationships in tact – they are paramount to fruitful living.

See the magic in your life and in the people around you. Enjoy kingdom living with the Prince of Peace and celebrate each day as something exciting and new. As for me I’ve been living in China for five months now and I tell people all the time that every day is an adventure here. Yes there is pollution, poverty, and many difficulties. But the people are so kind, the food is delicious, and the challenges are building my character.

As we embrace the hardships of life as a means to overcome and celebrate our victories – our attitude will follow suit. We can chose to enjoy the magical kingdom around us rationally, and fully aware of difficulties within the kingdom, but grateful to be part of something so magnificent. Just think of the possibilities…

Norine Rae currently resides in Beijing, China where she teaches English at Beijing International Studies University. Her primary residence is in Redding, California where she is a member of Bethel Church. In 2012 she completed her Master’s in Intellectual Leadership from A.W. Tozer Seminary through Simpson University. She also has BA from Central Washington University. In 2002 she became an Ordained Minister through Full Gospel Assemblies and holds a Degree in Evangelism from Full Gospel Bible Institute. She has worked over 30 years in Human Services fields and has done extensive work in ministry, missions, and leadership both foreign and domestic. She is a lifelong learner, international speaker, minister, writer, mother, and friend.