 |
| Aslan and Lucy |
Over the last number of weeks that phrase has been ringing in my mind. Most days are pretty routine at my work and I don't really love that- I prefer more excitement and adventure in my days! However, as a class, we just finished reading "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" and this book stirred me. Reading this book was the highlight of my day. My students loved it as well! Have you read it?
As we read I couldn't help myself from getting excited. I couldn't contain myself because this story is rich in truth. C.S. Lewis was such a skilled writer. His writing captivates each reader's imagination and proclaims Truth that has the ability to profoundly impact lives! After reading the novel together as a class (and listening to the Audio, which is incredibly well done) we spent a Friday morning watching the movie. We had our comfy slippers on, popcorn to eat and were eager for the day's "feature presentation!" Now what happened next came as a total surprise to me. Upon Aslan's first appearance on screen, the classroom erupted! You wouldn't believe the cheers and claps that filled the room when the Hero of the story made his first appearance. And again the loudest cheers and claps rang out when (after being dead) Aslan proved victorious and came back to life! I was not expecting that sort of reaction to Aslan. It never crossed my mind that these 24 ten year olds would so outwardly display their affection for him. It's true that you can't help but get close to Aslan as the story unfolds. You can't help but want to know him and you can't help but to be in awe of his great power and kind heart.
As all the cheers rang throughout the classroom, I sat there and pondered that moment. It was a curious moment.
"At the name of Aslan each one of the children felt something jump in its inside. Edmund felt a sensation of mysterious horror. Peter felt suddenly brave and adventurous. Susan felt as if some delicious smell or some delightful strain of music had just floated by her. And Lucy got the feeling you have when you wake up in the morning and realize that it is the beginning of the holidays or the beginning of summer. "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe – Chapter 7
In the same way as Aslan solicited a reaction from each child in the Book, he also drew a reaction out of each of my students.
I just wanted to tell the students that Aslan is Jesus. I wanted them to know that they were moved inside because this is the Truth. I wanted so desperately to proclaim explicitly that their hearts were longing for and calling out for Aslan- the Redeemer. I ask that truth was planted in their hearts. Perhaps this unique way of presenting the message will be tucked into their minds and I ask that these 24 students will hear it explicitly explained in the future. I pray. Perhaps I will see fruit in 10 years when the kids are all grown up and run into me in the grocery store and I actually get to share the Truth openly or perhaps someone else will share this truth with them. Yes, Aslan is on the move!! That day, like no other day yet, I felt this hope rising up within me that one day these students would know Jesus. It may not be now, but I have a curious sense that something is to come.
Aslan is on the move!
