Wisdom From The Chronicles of Narnia
@properflaco
By Miriam Vozzo
As a child, I would spend hours curled up on the couch, fully engrossed in the adventures of the friends of Narnia without realizing the depth of wisdom entwined into the stories by C.S. Lewis. I would always be puzzled in Voyage of the Dawn Treader where Eustace is turned back into a boy after having become a dragon. Why did it have to be so painful? Why couldn’t Aslan just say the word and turn Eustace back into a boy?
Many times since, I have similarly wondered why a wand cannot just be waved to make the obstacles in my life disappear when there is something I want to achieve. The thing is, I have since learned that Eustace didn’t just turn back into his old self – he was transformed into a changed person after realizing the loneliness in the path of seeking materialistic wealth.
Living in a way which doesn’t reflect our identity as beloved children of God presents a lonely and anxious path, and oftentimes the process of change and growth which follows this realization can be difficult or painful.
Perhaps we know we have been chasing worldly achievements rather than seeking opportunities to do the Lord’s work. Perhaps there is a behavior we know we need to change but it brings comfort to us in the moment. Or maybe we stay quiet instead of standing up for our faith because we are afraid of what others may think of us. We know we want to change but out of fear or pride, we stay in our bubble of comfort.
“The way Jesus shows you is not easy. Rather, it is like a path winding up a mountain. Do not lose heart! The steeper the road, the faster it rises towards ever wider horizons.”
Taking a leaf out of Eustace’s book, we can start with changing daily habits by looking for even the smallest opportunities to be kind, generous, patient, and giving towards others. We shouldn't get discouraged when we do fall but rather stand back up and keep making those changes you know will help you grow into a better person.
The difficulties we face can show us the areas in our lives where we should turn to God to ask for His guidance and we should ask God to point these out to us. Only then will we be able to grow in virtue. We have a God to whom we can take our worries and challenges to. We know that in His abounding love for us, He wants to see us grow. And so, by humbling ourselves and asking for His help, we will be transformed little by little, into the daughters of God we are created to be.