The kids and I are still plugging away through The Chronicles of Narnia. Summer has slowed us down a tad because our routines are all out of whack. (Which, by the way, is not my forte. I’m much better when routines are in tact. But, alas, that’s not always possible or even best.) I’m always stumbling on these great little nuggets of truth that Lewis has embedded into his books. We’ve just started The Silver Chair and we’ve already encountered a new one.
“But long before she had got anywhere near the edge, the voice [Aslan's] behind her said, “Stand still. In a moment I will blow. But, first, remember, remember, remember the signs. Say them to yourself when you wake in the morning and when you lie down at night, and when you wake in the middle of the night. And whatever strange things may happen to you, let nothing turn your mind from following the signs. And secondly, I give you a warning. Here on the mountain I have spoken to you clearly: I will not often do so down in Narnia. Here on the mountain the air is clear and your mind is clear; as you drop down into Narnia the air will thicken. Take great care that it does not confuse your mind. And the signs which you have learned here will not look at all as you expect them to look, when you meet them there. That is why it is so important to know them by heart and pay no attention to appearances. Remember the signs and believe the signs. Nothing else matters.”
And so ends Jill’s first encounter with Aslan. He has given her a list of four signs that will guide her in an extremely important quest. His main admonition to her: Remember! Don’t forget the signs. And don’t let circumstances muddle your thinking. Just remember and stick to the signs.
I just finished reading through Deuteronomy and God’s message there is pretty similar. Remember, He tells Israel. Remember who you are. Remember where you’ve been. Remember what I’ve done for you. Remember how I have instructed you. Remember, remember, remember. Talk about it. Pass it along to your kids and to outsiders. Let it permeate all of your life. And, don’t let living in the new lands of Canaan confuse you. Don’t get distracted by how things look on the outside. Keep to what you know and have learned from Me. Remember. Whatever it takes, remember.
Great advice for Jill as she embarked on an crucial quest in a magical world. Great advice for Israel as it became a nation and entered a new chapter of life in a new land.
Great advice for me as I muddle through life in 2008. Remember Shan. Don’t get distracted by appearances and busyness and what people say is important. Remember where you’ve been, who you have become, and what I’ve taught you. Remember to Whom you belong. Remember the deep, deep riches in the Book. Remember grace and freedom. Remember Shan. Remember.
