Wild is Free
“He’ll often drop in. Only you mustn’t press him. He’s wild, you know. Not like a tame lion.”
Tumnus
The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe
The holidays were quiet and gentle this year. A much-needed break and time alone to reflect, dream, wish, and sleep.
I saw King Kong. It was wonderfully done, and being a fan of Peter Jackson, I loathe to say anything negative. I will say that it’s too long. I could see 45 minutes that could be cut easily, without harming the story. Other than the length, it was spectacular.
But I saw magnificence in The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe. It wasn’t long enough! I admit, I have adored and idolized Aslan since I first read the book as a child. A nine year old me cried so hard when I saw the 1979 animated version of the book, when Aslan was shorn and killed, and then when he arose from the broken stone table. Aslan was a massive, shaggy noble beast, with a mighty heart and playful nature.
So many wonderful messages in this film – the idea of true altruism. Sacrifice as a communal must. Family as the primary source of pain and validation. Redemption and reconciliation. Honor, valor, justice, and most of all, love. The kind of love that is all encompassing, forgiving, motivating, and trusting. It’s a love that believes in you so that you can believe in yourself. Its compassion, pure, sweet and simple. To love past pain, past betrayal, and to keep on trusting and loving others, that is the true test of character, of soul.
Remember when it was easy to love, to trust, to forgive and play and just be? Hold on to that feeling, gently, tenderly, and let it creep out from your heart’s shy corners on kitten feet, one tentative step at a time. Once you give a place to linger, to run around in, to explore and play, that feeling will live freely in you, walk with you in every step, giving you bounce, joy and light.
Smile from your heart, laugh from your belly and give from your soul.
Much love,
Melissa
