I love the movie The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe adapted from the book by CS Lewis There is a scene where the one of the children ask the beavers about someone named Aslan. What the children don’t know is Aslan is a lion, but he is unlike any lion they could imagine. The question asked is, “Is he (Aslan) safe?” The beavers reply, “no, but he is good.” (yes the beavers talk in Narnia). And he is good, very good.
I can’t imagine what it would be like to come face to face with a real lion. I don’t know if I would be so paralyzed by fear that I would just freeze and pray or just run. Yet there are times in our lives when we face situations that can cause the same reaction. Perhaps it is an important life change, a business decision that involves risk, a new job, loss of a job, etc. We start asking the “what ifs”. We find ourselves not being able to sleep at night, eating too many Bon Bons, bingeing on whatever, because fear is taking hold.
I recently embarked on a project that involved risk. There was a cost involved and I could feel the fear beginning to do its work. I suddenly found myself doubting and having a tough time sleeping. So it was time to face the lion.
I began by asking myself an important question: Why did I commit to this in the first place? Answer: because I believed it was right for me. In asking the “why” question I needed to make sure my ego was in check. If not, my decision/your decisions can be skewed. While writing this, I recalled an earlier blog. It was the counsel given by coach John Wooden. “What are you committed to? Know who you are. Stick to your principles, make choices that are in line with your principles, and deal with the results.” That just about says it all.
After my weighing and praying time, there was peace. The fear had lost its power. This lion had been defeated. I continued to move forward, successfully bringing the project to completion. I realized the re-examining process is a key to any important decision. If you come out on the other side knowing in your heart it is the right thing, you push away the fear and you are more determined and committed than ever.
But I know the lion will show up again, roaring loudly, trying to invoke fear. He will show up the next time I face a situation that involves a step of faith…taking a risk. When he does I need to remember Who my faith is in and what I’ve just shared with you. Note to self…
It’s a new day-live it!
