Making Sense of 6 Lessons I Learned From Mickey Mouse

Photo by juan mendez

If we shared lessons from our experiences some would be heartfelt, some lighter, some funny.  Nevertheless, they would all be bits of wisdom. Here’s a lesson I learned long ago: if the waitress at a Mexican-food restaurant says, “The plate is hot,” believe her! Now, here are 6 lessons I learned from a mouse (Disney World) and why I feel they are worth sharing.

1. They were united in the goal to make me feel special. A repeat customer is generally a sign that he/she was made to feel special. Since my retirement, I have visited a few churches. Where I’m made to feel welcome is where I’ll return. 
2. They did their job as if it was the most important one. The MVPs in churches are office personnel. They are 1^st responders to those seeking information or assistance. They face church members who come with crises, to see a minister, complain about thermostats or parking or carpet color or long sermons (no one minds short ones) or most anything. They handle bulletins, budgets, schedules, weddings, funerals, facilities,  prayer and hospital updates, sales reps, all manners of correspondence, and do it all while dealing with preachers who can be moody and insensitive. Why? Servants give their best for others.
3. They showed it’s OK to have fun. Work done by Myers-Davis is serious work. Serious work, however, does not have to reflect a funeral home atmosphere. The company Christmas party showed how those who do serious work can also have fun. The April Fool’s prank was another. King Solomon looked at life and concluded, “There is a time to weep and there is a time to laugh.” Snow White had 7 helpers, but only 1 was Grumpy. There’s a lesson in that.
4. They placed a high value on children. I detailed this in Disney 2. I’ll add 1 more comment: in the midst of some heavy-duty adult discussions (money and divorce), Jesus stopped and took time to hold in his arms and give attention to little kids. Let’s not miss His point!
5. They paid attention to details and excellence. A pair of trucks can have the same engine, transmission, tire size and color, yet 1 cost $20K more. The difference? Details! Talk to 2 people for an hour each. You leave 1^st and wish you could stay. You leave 2^nd as fast as you can. The difference? Details! Truck details cost $$. Our details are free: offer a smile; say thank you; share a compliment; listen with ears and eyes; talk positively; don’t use your cell phone. These details cost us nothing, but they’re upgrades to others. Did I mention free?
6. They were dedicated and loyal to a make-believe mouse. Mickey Mouse serves as the face of management. Management pays employees. Salaries should generate loyalty. You may have heard restaurant management bad-mouthed by staff; store managers bad-mouthed by employees; churches bad-mouthed by ministers; hospitals bad-mouthed by medical staff. These things should not be and especially not in public. I’m sure Disney employees have complaints about management (they are human, after all) but as far as their attitudes and comments in public, ‘There never was heard a discouraging word.’ That is impressive!

“Think about the things that are good and worthy of praise. Think about the things that are true and honorable and right and pure and beautiful and respected.” – Phil. 4:8 

Once again, thanks for your patience. And remember, you are greatly loved!

–Jackie Chesnutt, Chaplain and Emotional Support Coach for Myers-Davis (5/4/2026)

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