A Voyage to the movies

Finally Christmas break has arrived!
Yesterday after lunch, I came home, found something to watch and fell asleep. An hour later I woke up and then wasted my afternoon away watching tv in my bed. Part of me was torn, feeling like I should be doing something, part of me was too lazy to actually do anything. Thankfully the lazy side of me had stronger pull on my body than the other side.

I always seem to find that feeling when things come to an end - end of semesters, school years, sports seasons, or after spending months planning for something. This feeling I had - the feeling that I needed to be doing something left me in a state where I felt a little empty, a little lonely, a little like I had no purpose. I know none of those feelings are truth because my life is full, scripture tells me that  I am never alone (Deuteronomy 31:8 "The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”), and even yesterday morning in devotions, I watched a video about my ministry here - that is my purpose, for now.

After I lazed the afternoon away, I got up and then Dawn and I went downtown to go watch Voyage of the Dawn Treader. The newest in the Chronicles of Narnia films. We were a little worried, that we might get sea sick watching it in 3D, but it was actually a lot of fun. The film was great and it really made me do some thinking. Thinking about my purpose in life, about my relationship with Christ, about the sin in my life, how easily I give in to temptation. I won't give away the story, to those of you who haven't read the book or watched the movie, but let me just say, the struggles they face in the movie are definitely struggles that we face in our own lifes. Maybe we are not battling storms at sea and sea monsters, but we are definitely battling the voice of evil that draws us in to worry, leads us to fear, tugs at us to be at war with one another.

Of course, in the end it is Aslan who works in others to save the day. Thankfully in reality we have an Aslan of our own who works in us to save us, too. I was reminded of our (believers in Christ) ever present help in times of trouble, (Psalm 46:1 "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble."), who has a plan for us. (Psalm 19:21 "Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.")

I'm thankful for the way that God uses circumstances and movies (among other things) to teach life lessons. When I'm feeling a little empty, a little lonely, a little purposeless - I know where I can find the answers. All I need to do is ask. Jeremiah 33: 2-3, "I made the earth, formed it, and set it in place. My name is the Lord. This is what the Lord says: Call to me, and I will answer you. I will tell you great and mysterious things that you do not know."