Reflections on Susan

"Lucy," said Susan in a very small voice, "I see [Aslan] now....I’m sorry....But I’ve been far worse than you know. I really believed it was him....I mean, deep down inside. Or I could have, if I’d let myself. But I just wanted to get out of the woods and—and—oh, I don’t know. And what ever am I to say to him?”—Prince Caspian, C.S. Lewis

Normally when I read any of the Chronicles of Narnia, I automatically want to be Lucy—the one who discovers the wardrobe, who meets Tumnus, and begins the adventures first. More often than not, though, as I reflect upon the stories I feel I’m much more like Susan.

In Prince Caspian, when the four Pevensie children return to Narnia, Lucy is the first to see Aslan. The others at first don’t believe her, but eventually they choose to follow her, following Him. Edmund sees him next followed by Peter. Lastly, Susan recognizes Aslan pacing ahead of her. She admits that she could have believed, if she would have let herself. She fears what Aslan will say to her.

Often, I believe deep down, but my fears or pride or complacency in everyday life keeps me from truly following. I don’t want to believe/trust, because it would force me to admit I was wrong, or change my direction, or perhaps a little bit of both. I get so caught up in doing my day to day life, I’m not willing to stop and see if Aslan is speaking to me just around the next tree.

I hope I can remember to ignore my fears. I want to always be willing to follow the un-recognized and difficult/strange/crazy path. I don’t want to someday find myself living in denial as Susan ultimately does, remembering my faith and Narnia as “the silly games I used to play.”

Just that time of year

I was out at a local park enjoying Spring weather and I began to think about what I enjoy about Spring. Okay, so anyone who knows me can remember how much I wanted out of Louisville when I lived there a few years back…so consider this your irony alert. I miss Louisville.

As a favorite part of spring, I miss this week of all weeks in Kentucky—a celebration of tradition, athleticism, and hats, yep…it’s the Run for the Roses (for anyone not quite there yet, next Saturday is the Kentucky Derby). I never went to the race. I do not feel that I missed anything having never braved the muddle of humanity that is the infield at Churchill Downs. But, I miss being in Louisville for this week.

Beginning with the show of shows—Thunder over Louisville, this week is a fun time. Thunder is the Saturday one week before the Derby (today as I write this). It is an airshow that concludes with fireworks over the Ohio River near the 1-65 bridge headed into Indiana. It is the greatest excuse for cramming thousands of people onto the riverfront. From there the festivities go on to concerts, “hat parades,” food tastings, and then, of course, there are the horses. That is what everyone is in town for.

Like I said, I’ve never been to the race, but I did enjoy Dawn at the Downs. Churchill opens its doors to the public for the morning runs beginning at 6 am on the weekdays leading to the race. I miss the traditional Derby foods-copper pennies (carrot slices), Mint Tulips (the alcohol free version of the Julep), and of course Masterson's version of the famous Kentucky Hot Browns. I miss the joy on children’s faces watching the Balloon Glow and Hot Air Balloon race. I even miss the parade leading to the running of the Fillies for the Lilies (the official kick off race on Friday evening). Last but not least of course, is the race. Even if you don’t enjoy horse racing you find yourself caught up in the fun, watching for the famous faces to come to town and finally picking “your” horse for the race.

Then, the next Monday in May arrives and I’ll remember the parts of Louisville I didn’t enjoy. (Spaghetti Junction, I’m talking to you.) For now, however, I’m content to miss the River City.

Giving this a try

I'm joining the trend a little late in the day, but wanted to try this whole "blog" thing on for size-as a chance to ramble (where others can read it) through the wilderness that is my brain. Sometimes you just need to make someone else read what you are thinking to help you clarify those thoughts.
So...be nice. I'm just learning.