Last May, we surprised our boys with a trip to Disney World. Because we are smart parents and know that too much anticipation is overwhelming for everyone, we waited until the day of the trip to reveal the “surprise."

Oh, you bet I was geared up with my camera and ready to catch the reaction of my two boys, ages 4 and 6, once they went berserk after the announcement was made.

I could hardly contain my own excitement.

So on the morning of our trip, with camera in hand, we made the announcement.

The reaction was not what we had expected. Actually, it was the complete opposite.

There were no wild shouts of joy. No running around in circles screaming, “We're going to Disney World!”

No. In fact, my 4-year-old just laid down on the floor and issued no response. My 6-year-old crossed his arms over his chest with the most dramatic gusto, pouted his lower lip out as far as it could go and was sorely disappointed that he was going to Disney World instead of receiving a “100-feet treat.”

Now, before you cast judgment against these seemingly spoiled-rotten kids, let me point out a few things:

-- My kids had no idea what “Disney World” meant. Sure, they had seen it on TV, but until they experienced this trip, it was hard for these little kids to grasp the idea.

-While we had not told them what the surprise was, we had given them clues. Based on the conversations that we had, my 6-year-old had decided that this “big, big surprise,” which could not be played with inside and was bigger than our farm, was actually the world's longest Slip-N-Slide.

That's right. In his world, the most amazing, exciting thing that he could imagine was a toy that lasted approximately four weeks before it was shredded and discarded. Bless his little heart.

So of course they were disappointed. They wanted the surprise immediately and wanted something that they could grasp, not some place far away that would take hours to get to.

Does that sound familiar? Immediate gratification? Tangible things?

After reflecting on their reaction, I can't help but realize how similar I react to things in my life. When I don't get something I want, I am disappointed. I throw a fit. I pout.

I have shed tears over “slip-n-slides” because that is all I know when “Disney World” was waiting around the next corner. How many trips have I missed because I wanted the tangible, here and now, instead of waiting for the bigger, better and more exciting gift that was just beyond my immediate comprehension?

My boys' reactions taught me a few lessons. Primarily, I need to relax, trust and look hopefully around the corner when I don't get what I want.

It may be better than anything I could have dreamed about.

(P.S. The kids had a fantastic time and can't wait to go back!)

Judy Daniell, who works part-time, is married with three kids. Read more from her here.

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