THOUGHTFUL THURSDAY 

Come On Along!

One of my favorite movies of all time is The Wizard of Oz.  When I was a child, this movie only came on once a year, usually during tornado season in March or April.  It was really a big deal in the days and weeks leading up to the time it aired on our little TV. We thought the living color portion was the most beautiful thing we had ever seen.  We thought The Wicked Witch of the West was the scariest thing we had ever seen.  And we thought the music was inspiring, and that somewhere over the rainbow was the solution to all our problems.

One of the main themes throughout the movie, was the fact that the Scarecrow kept saying, "If I only had a brain." The Tin Man kept saying, "If I only had a heart." The Cowardly Lion kept saying, "If I only had some courage."  And of course, Dorothy needed to find a way home. Now, I know that right about now, you must be thinking that the whole point to this story, is that each of them had the power within them already.  Although this is a valid and important observation, I  would like you to take notice of another detail.

If Dorothy had not asked The Scarecrow to come with her, he would still be standing in a field...somewhat dazed and confused.  It was because of her time and attention, that he began his journey to self-fulfillment. If they had not stopped to help The Tin Man, he would still be rusting in the forest.  Their enthusiasm and encouragement gave him the hope he needed.  If they had not embraced the struggles of The Cowardly Lion, he would still be wandering around...scared of his own shadow.  

My question is this:  Whatever journey we may be traveling, whatever quest lies before us, whatever hopes and dreams we carry for ourselves...Is there someone else that we can help along the way?  Is there someone else that we can encourage? Many of our friends and loved ones are standing in a Field, a Forest, or Fear.  Can we be like Dorothy?

 
“And the master said unto the servant, go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.” Luke 14:23

Hope You’re Having a Great Thursday!