The Force and our Little Jedi-Late Summer 2008

When I was in second grade Return of the Jedi came out. I saw it and didn't feel too bad about missing the rest of the then initial trilogy. When I taught high school there was a kid in my class obsessed with the Star Wars books. Now, I'm 33 years old, and my five-year-old thinks Star Wars is the greatest. He's into it BIG time, and now there's more characters and scenes and gadgets than ever to remember. To acquaint myself with everything and to have a grown-up understanding of his fascination, I've had to watch all the Star Wars movies, and I mean all of them. I'm through episodes 3-6, and plan on watching 1 and 2 as soon as I can muster up the desire to do so. I guess it's a starting place to look at good and evil, light vs. dark, the powers of opposition in the world. Little does he know or understand the world of meaning behind the Force and the Dark Side. I've learned a lot watching these movies again, and seeing him role play and be drawn to the items he sees as powerful. He also understands some of the deeper meanings of the whole story. He knows that even Darth Vadar still has "good in him." Each person, no mater how dark, or twisted, or evil, or lost, has a chance to respond to the light that is cast upon them. There are so many Darth Vadars in the real world, so many people we cast off, or feel are too powerful or too far gone to share a little bit of hope with. When my kid understands the power he has inside of him one day, to be a blessing or a curse to those around him, then he too can be a real superhero. The Force is definitely real, and it does do some pretty cool, impactful things. I can't wait until he is old enough to realize that good/light does overcome dark/bad. I can't wait to train up our own little Jedi in the ways he should go. Every day is an adventure, and I never know who Raymond will be on any given day, but it is fun, and I've learned a lot in places and in situations that surprise me each and every day. Raising a child is an adventure, especially one who wants to conquer the galaxy. He, and I, will both have to take it one day at a time. I'm looking forward to meeting new characters, and enjoying all our wee B. brings to our lives. Today, I'm grateful, yes, grateful, for Star Wars has done for our family. And today, I'm grateful, to possess the true Force, the true Light, along with my little guy, salvation, and a walk in the Light with Jesus.