A Witch, A Lion, and Ice Out

Her Imperial Majesty Jadis, Queen of Narnia, Chatelaine of Cair Paravel, Empress of the Lone Islands is her official title.

Her subjects call her the White Witch.

The land of Narnia was frozen under her spell for a century. The 100 years of winter had convinced every creature that there was no hope of ever being warm again. 

I’ve found myself in that situation on more than one occasion. And I’m not talking about Maine winters, though 2014-2015 was a trial.

I’m referring to those dark places of the soul where the pain is so great that we become numb. Our faculties shut down and we’re not able to process what’s happening. There is a disconnect that veils the eyes and mind, and can even blot out the awareness of God’s presence. We become convinced that we are abandoned and hope disappears.

CS Lewis continues his tale of the battle of good v. evil that ensues after the four Pevensie children (Peter, Susan, Edmund, Lucy) arrive in the ice-bound world.

They find themselves on a journey to go to Aslan, a lion who is the champion of the enchanted world. As they travel they notice the snow beginning to melt and signs of spring starting to emerge.

The travelers had no idea the creeping change began the moment Aslan entered Narnia. Nor were they aware that his mission was to restore the land to its proper seasons. Their limited view and lack of understanding did not hinder the transformation. It only increased their awe when they realized what was happening.

I experienced a similar situation recently.

At breakfast the other day I looked out at a scene I’d been seeing for months, a frozen Loon Pond. I was beginning to think that perhaps like Narnia we were entering a time when it would be “always winter and never Christmas.”

When I sat down to lunch a few short hours later my eyes were filled with the sight of beautiful, blue water sparkling in bright sunlight.

My words were, “Hey, it’s Ice Out.” My thought was, How did that happen?

The refreshing view reminded of the thawing of Narnia. The sun and longer days, rain and rising temperatures had been at work for some time. Though I’ve lived here for more than a decade, I hadn’t given a thought to the process. Yet it unfolded before me as it has every year without fail.

All I could think of was the way God attends me when I’m walking in one of those deep valleys without a hint of light when the loneliness aches more than any abscessed tooth. I do my best to persevere though I can’t make sense of anything. And hope evaporates like a drop of water on a hot wood stove.

All the while my Abba Father is at work on my behalf. Behind the scenes, in the darkness, under the surface He’s busy promoting His plans for my good. I have no awareness of His efforts. My limited view and lack of understanding do not hinder the transformation. It only increases my awe when I realize what’s happening.

How do you know? You ask.

Because every time . . . ev-er-y time . . . my Abba Father makes Himself known to me at the perfect moment. He displays His faithfulness as he grants me understanding, healing, and hope . . . over and over again

“See! The winter is past;
the rains are over and gone.
Flowers appear on the earth;
the season of singing has come,
the cooing of doves
is heard in our land.” Song of Songs 2:11-12

May you too experience the joy that is Abba’s springtime presence.

with peace in His hands,
Sandra