Magic Dragons and Relics

Peter and Paul were on one of the morning shows this past week. They were lamenting the departure of Mary from their group and reminiscing about the great songs they sung together. Puff the Magic Dragon was a thought provoking and sometimes controversial song that Peter, Paul and Mary sung back in the 60's. Life changes was a missed interpretation that perhaps has applications today. In the words of the song, Puff lives by the sea in a land identified as Hon ah Lee. The land could just as easily have been John Key or Come and See, just as long as it fit. The name Puff could just as easily have been Papa, Nana, Grandma, Grandpa, Mom, Dad... any old relic would do. Dragons are creatures of the past and are steeped in a tradition so unlike reality that they have become quaint. The magic that Puff made was via a relationship. Puff's relationship with little Jackie Paper (name changed to protect the innocent) was based on love which is certainly magic . That "rascal" Puff frolicked because Jackie loved him unconditionally. Puff and Jackie enjoyed a fantastic world of sailing ships, stars, frogs, squirrels, garbage trucks or things that go 'round and 'round, anything that supported their love for one another. The enjoyment of their company was accentuated by shared experience predicated on learning principles of how to share love and regard for one another. Jackie learned the rudiments of Puff's language but their communication transcended language and relied on trust, love, and shared experience. Puff could live forever, though time and distance separated the friends, because of the magic. As Jackie grows, thoughts of frogs, squirrels, and gingerbread men seem to slip away as adventures and relationships become more sophisticated. In the song a grey night arrives but Jackie does not and the old dragon cannot summon the strength to frolic, laugh or roar. The old dragon finds sorrow and depression has overcome him and what has been his armor begins to rust away as he quietly slips into a dark place that has befallen old dragons for years. Sometimes the loss of special relationships exacts a terrible toll and the dragons lose their awesomeness, magic and the music in their hearts. They cannot face their new reality, their friend is replaced by darkness, the mist where they frolicked begins to poison them as they drown in self doubt and remorse.
There IS a lasting relationship that at times escapes us. Development of a lifelong friend in Jesus allows us to live forever in comfort and joy. As earthly friends and relationships fade Jesus is there to stand with us in the most difficult circumstances. He may not enjoy a relationship based on fantasy but He will comfort you in your realities. His light is forever, darkness will never overcome and there will be a song in your heart.

Reflection

As I come back to this blog after a long absence, I am reminded of the relative importance of putting thoughts to paper or keyboard or whatever. I think we all need a time of reflection in our lives daily, this blog is perhaps not a daily reflection or an occasional diversion, it is necessary. The blog is perhaps not for anyone but me. A chance to ramble about the inspirations and observations that come from the world. Believe me, changes are what define our lives. Reflection on the world has become a look back to a matter of minutes or hours ago. For example, how many days ago did the world become upside down for millions of people? Did the earth shake and the world crumble for some people in Haiti or was life changed dramatically for millions of people worldwide? Was the call to help the people of Haiti limited to some first responders? Or was an emergency of considerable proportion significant in the lives of a myriad of people throughout the world? People who perhaps would have witnessed the disaster via electronic conveyance with sympathetic yet actionless interest find themselves swept up in the plight of people many miles away. As we look on with empathy and consider the world that these people find themselves in today we are justifiably moved to action. Whether our action is defined by reaching out materially or spiritually we are nevertheless moved to action. The simple act of caring what happens to these people is a change for good. If you reflect for a few minutes on how your life was changed by an earthquake in Port-Au-Prince, Haiti, you will find that your interest was shifted for just a minute to someone besides yourself. The exposure to the terrible aftermath of natural disaster gives us pause to think and to be grateful that we were not swept up in similar circumstances. Our reflections show us that we are indeed at the mercy of God in our circumstance. What we consider to be the "worst" of circumstance for us suddenly pales in comparision to the circumstances of the people of Haiti. We see suffering. We see pain. We see desolation. We see destruction. We see death. We see panic. We see chaos. We see a certain sadness. We see cries for help. And we see it all "up front and personal" from our homes, in front of our high-definition, plasma, 47" television, a few steps away from our refrigerator. Are we then grateful for our abundances? Do we feel a certain guilt for having so much as others clamour for water and food? Suffice it to say that a grateful heart is in order. Thanks to God is a minimal response as we reflect on this terrible tragedy. Prayer for those unfortunate souls is essential. An outpouring of concern is an appropriate response. Take time to reflect on life as you know it. Perhaps it is fraught with personal dispair. Does it compare to the human suffering we witness each day? Have a grateful heart. Love God. Love one another.