Narnia and the New Year

Tonight I went to see Narnia with my parents and sister--awesome movie...granted, not the most fabulous from a cinematic standpoint, but I adore the story, which I have also recently read. Being an allegory, it's one of those movies you really want to talk about after you've seen it to discuss the different aspects of the analogy...so here are a couple of my thoughts:

The characters of the children are really interesting because how they relate to their calling (to fight a war and be kings and queens of Narnia), the other creatures, and Aslan Himself (the Christ figure). I can see bits of myself in all of the characters, though what I thought was interesting was how certain male and female characteristics were displayed. Especially in the characters of Edmund and Lucy, the movie showed how certain male and female characteristics are used both for good and for temptation. For instance, Edmund's ego is arguably the driving force in his turning to the White Witch--he's angry with Peter and wants to prove he is better. Also, his selfishness in devouring the Turkish Delight and eagerness to become king tempt him to the dark side. However, in the end, his pride and desire for honor motivate him to fight the Witch, which ends up saving his brother's life and turning the tide of the battle. Lucy's feminine quality of caring finds her in a dangerous situation with Tumnus, who at first was going to kidnap her, but then her caring pushes the children further in their journey. It was all as if to say, God meets us where we're at. As men and women (or just people in general) we have certain traits and characteristics that often get us into trouble. But if we let Him, God can work in us in really cool ways, using those traits for His glory. Basically, He rocks.

The other part I noticed about the movie connects to my New Year's evaluation. Every New Year I evaluate myself in different areas in my journal--just to get an idea of where I am and to track where I've come. It's all dorkishly objective commentary in areas like physical, emotional, spiritual, relational and so on. I write about how I feel I'm doing in each area. Anyways, what I really noticed this year was that though I am not really satisfied with where I am in any of those areas, I am definitely "in process"--a term that Lyndsey uses that I've really picked up. It's not that I'm wallowing in dissatisfaction. I am finding myself mostly content with the fact that I know God is working in me. I'm not there yet (and I know I never will be) but I think if we can learn to see where we are going--what's ahead that we want to get to, without hating ourselves for being where we are right now, then that's what contentment means. I see where God has brought me if I look back, and am excited about where God is going to take me when I look ahead, which makes me happy with where I am right now. Accomplishment behind and an adventure before me makes right here a pretty cool place. This is all sort of funny because if I made a laundry list of the year, it would look kind of sketch and pretty pathetic at times. But through it all, God has been there, and He is good. So this brings me to the Narnia connection. I wish they had kept the dialogue just as it is written in the book, though moving the conversation to the end of the movie allowed it to really make a point. This is what I consider the best part of the book...as well as a bit of a life-theme for me:

"Is--is [Aslan] a man? asked Lucy.
"Aslan a man!" said Mr. Beaver sternly. "Certainly not. I tell you he is the King of the wood and the son of the great Emperor-beyond-the-Sea. Don't you know who is the King of Beasts? Aslan is a lion--the Lion, the great Lion."
"Ooh!" said Susan, "I'd thought he was a man. Is he--quite safe? I shall feel rather nervous about meeting a lion."
"That you will, dearie, and no mistake," said Mrs. Beaver; "if there's anyone who can appear before Aslan without their knees knocking, they're either braver than most or else just silly."
"Then he isn't safe?" said Lucy.
"Safe?" said Mr. Beaver; "don't you hear what Mrs. Beaver tells you? Who said anything about safe? 'Course he isn't safe. But he's good. He's the King, I tell you."
--C. S. Lewis, emphasis mine

Really, that's been my year--and a lot of my life. It's not so much safe, but God is good.

I wish blessings for you all this New Year :) I'll be back in Cali in a couple of days. Can't wait to see everyone!