One of the best things we did this summer was to take a trip to the Mall of America in Bloomington, MN. While there, I was struck by the amazing power of hope, make-believe and magic.
Just a small side note on the MOA itself. If you’ve never had the opportunity to visit this amazing locale, I encourage you to plan a trip soon. Many people ask, “What do you do for four days at…a mall? Better yet, what does your husband do for four days at…a mall?”
My response? It takes one entire day to walk each floor. There are three-and-a-half floors. This doesn’t take into account the amazing amusement park, mini-golf or MagiQuest activities housed within the mall itself. When you add that to the mix, you could easily spend a week or more and still not get to everything.
But, I digress.
Maidens and Treasure and Dragons, Oh My!
On our daily trek around the mall, we stumbled upon a new adventure. MagiQuest. Dragons, treasure chests, crystal balls and wands surrounded the “store,” and it was like my son was pulled of his own accord through the front doors.
We were greeted by a beautiful magi complete with an British accent a-la Harry Potter. But of course. 😉
She was dressed in flowing purple robes and brandished an intricately carved wand in one hand. As she welcomed us into this magical realm, she promptly pointed her wand with an elegant flourish at a treasure chest flanking the entrance nearly five feet away, and it opened to reveal gold and jewels.
Wide-eyed and mouth agape, my six-year-old turns to me and whispers, “It’s magic, Mom.” And indeed it was. We began our adventure that day, and returned each day to gather treasure, save fair maidens and finally slay the dragon to achieve the rank of Master Magi. I, of course, served as the Magi Guide. Right.
A Little More Magic
On our last day at the mall, the munchkin had his wand in hand as we headed toward the mall’s exit doors. Now, these doors have that handy feature many do where you can push a button on the wall and have the door open automatically. So, before walking through them, I suggested that the munchkin wave his wand at the doors to see what would happen.
And they opened! (With a little help from me pushing the button.) You would have thought I’d sprouted wings and flown him to the moon. “How did that happen?!? Did you see what I did?!? I did that! With my wand! It’s magic!” he yells with a gigantic smile on his face.
This, of course, put a smile on my face, and I was reminded of how easy it is for children to believe in the make-believe. In magic. In hope.
They have no compulsion to rationalize the unbelievable. To come up with a reasonable explanation for how a fake magic wand can open a treasure chest, light up a crystal ball, make trees talk, slay a dragon or open up mall doors. I envy them that blind belief. After all, they believe in Santa Clause, the Tooth Fairy and the Easter Bunny, too, right?
While I may have stopped believing in make-believe and magic, hope is something I’ve always had. In all situations good or bad, I believe that everything will work out the way it should. I have hope, which stems primarily from my belief in God. I know He’s pulling the strings; not me (thank goodness!), and that gives me hope. And, I guess in it’s own right, that’s magical, too.
We could all use a little bit of hope make-believe and magic in our lives. Don’t you agree?
You are right! Hope is magical! What a great post and a great childhood memory your son will have! Thanks for sharing!
By the way, I’ve never been to the MOA. I’ll have to let you know some day if I make it there. 🙂
aplaceforthoughts: Thanks for reading & commenting on the Common Grounds post. I just wish we could keep that sense of wonder with us always, ya know? And, you’ll definitely have to visit the MOA sometime!
GREAT post, Laura! LOVE the ending! Btw, I’ve wanted to go to the MOA from the moment I heard about it (years ago)… it sounds AMAZING!!
Hi, Michelle. It’s totally worth the trip, and the kids would love it! Thanks, as always, for your comments. =)
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