It’s Magic

The Secret Garden

Reading Frances Hodgson Burnett’s ‘The Secret Garden’ I enjoyed the theme of ‘Magic’. This benevolent force behind nature changes the garden. As spring comes the garden is transformed from the cold deadness of winter to blossom, colour and life.

This magic also transforms Mary and Colin from selfish, unhappy, lonely children to healthy, cheerful, thoughtful children who enjoy life and start to appreciate and understand its magic.  

Narnia

It reminded me of the coming of spring in C.S. Lewis’ ‘The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe’.

Under the White Witch’s spell the kingdom of Narnia is cold and always winter. Aslan the Lion, the king and creator of Narnia brings his transforming magic. As spring comes there is warmth and life as trees and flowers blossom. The children are also changed as Aslan’s power and presence is increasingly evident.

Lion King

It also reminded me of ‘The Lion King’. Simba the lion cub has grown to be a adult. Rafiki, the shaman, reminds him that the spirit of his father, Mufasa, will always be with him. There’s a song:

He lives in you
He lives in me
He watches over
Everything we see…

He lives in you
There’s no mountain too great
Hear these words and have faith

This magical power that lives in Simba, gives him the strength to be king.

Musing

Musing this morning on the transformational force that Paul describes: ‘We who… reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.’ (2Corintians 3:18)

As part of the ‘Magic’ of The Secret Garden the children sing the Doxology:

Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Praise Him, all creatures here below.
Praise Him above the Heavenly host.
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost.