Into the Wardrobe

I don't read a lot of fiction. Not because I don't enjoy it, but because with my limited reading time I find myself spread thinly among books that will provide much needed information--meat and potatoes like theology, homeschooling, naturopathy, pruning roses and so forth. Reading literature is like dessert for me; I'd like to eat the chocolate pudding but I'm usually too full from dinner.

So when Valerie began waxing eloquent about her twelfth or so journey through The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis, it was as though an unspoken dare was issued: skip dinner and go straight to dessert.

I've longed to go through the series myself but have procrastinated because: 1) I wasn't sure the kids were ready for it yet; 2) reading seven fiction books seemed like a luxury I couldn't afford; 3) where would I find the time?; 4) I attempted the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe as a child and never got far; and 5) I couldn't decide which book to start off with first. (There are two schools of thought and both presented good cases.)

After some thought, I decided: 1) I'd read it first without the kids; 2) I'd take it slowly; 3) I'd make the time; 4) I'd try again; and 5) I'd start with The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe because someone once said that it was only right to enter Narnia for the first time with Lucy and I liked that line of reasoning.

Just one bite, I told myself.

Famous last words.

By the time we reached the lamppost, I was already hooked. While we were having tea with Mr. Tumnus, I decided I definitely wanted to read the book again. As He-Beaver led the troops to the Stone Table, I reminded myself to take notes the next time around. And when I met the majestic Aslan for the first time, I knew there was no turning back. I was going back into that wardrobe again.

I was mistaken; Narnia is more than just dessert. It's also pan-fried trout, boiled potatoes, a great and gloriously sticky marmalade roll with tea, and Turkish Delight, too.

I will leave the book reviews to those more articulate than I, but I will share a couple of thoughts at this early stage of my Narnian adventure. First, I found myself empathizing with Lucy when no one would believe her story. There are many Edmunds in my life, and I have often been in her shoes.

Look, look," I'd say as I point. "There's glorious life on the other side, but you have to go through the door. Just take the first step and keep walking beyond the lamppost. There will be battles with evil and sometimes the fear of the unknown, but there's also beauty and wonder and delight beyond description. And you must meet Aslan. There is no one like him, and until you know him you don't know what you're missing.

Second, through C.S. Lewis' masterful portrayal, I've been gently reminded of the need to infuse more childlike wonder and curiosity into my ordinary days. To steer away from the many do's and don'ts and to make room instead for treasure seeking and discovery.

Perhaps dessert instead of dinner is not such a bad idea after all, especially when a feast is thrown in as a side course.

Narnia Links:
Into the Wardrobe
John Piper on why he loves C.S. Lewis
Lessons from Narnia by Douglas Wilson
Which order should I read the books?
Turkish Delight

"And with many such parables He spoke the word to them as they were able to hear it." Mark 4:33