Dear Keller,
So, this is the year! I know that you have been anticipating turning 10 years old – probably for a lot of reasons but mostly no doubt because this is the year of your Nona/Pop Pop trip. I know that you are eagerly looking forward to October and our adventure to Universal Studios and Legoland and truth be told… I am very excited about it as well.
So, this is also the year that you read all the Harry Potter books – which I’m sure influenced your choice of going to Universal and Harry Potter World. Would it surprise you to know that I read the books as well way back when they were first published? But it has been a while.
They were very entertaining books and even though they are not Christian fiction there are a lot of spiritual themes that are worth thinking about. I love the fact that you love to read but I want to encourage you to read every book that you pick up discerningly – whether it is overtly Christian or not. In other words… THINK about what you read because books have the power to shape our worldview.
With that in mind, here are a few “lessons” that can be gleamed from reading Harry Potter.
There is a real battle between good and evil – The books recognize that evil is real and that choices have consequences. There is indeed an enemy, a very real devil, who is intent on destroying the lives and testimonies of believers and claiming the glory that is God’s alone for himself. Think about the conflict throughout the books with Voldemort and be reminded that we are in a very real spiritual battle.
Evil often begins with small compromises – Remember Peter Pettigrew. He didn’t become evil overnight but made small choices that eventually lead him to betray James and Lily Potter. Our everyday choices matter. Our everyday choices have consequences. Dumbledore once told Harry: “It is our choices… that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.” Choose wisely my young grandson.
Courage is doing what is right even when it is hard and costly – Do you remember that at the end of The Sorcerer’s Stone, Neville tries to stop Harry, Ron, and Hermione from breaking school rules because he sincerely believes it is right. Dumbledore would later say to him, “It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to our enemies, but just as much to stand up to our friends.” Neville’s courage earned 10 points for Gryffindor enabled them to win the House Cup. Live courageously!
Friendship is a powerful gift – Harry could never have defeated Voldemort on his own. He had to rely on his friendship with Hermione and Ron throughout the series. This is a good time to remind you of something I say often: “The voices you listen to affect the choices you make.” You need to surround yourself with friends who are making good choices because you WILL be influenced by the voices of those closet to you.
Wise mentors can have a huge influence on your life – Throughout the series, Dumbledore helps Harry understand his identity, his purpose, his temptations, his responsibilities. He gives Harry guidance but does not protect him from learning some hard lessons on his own through experience. But he is there to give encouragement and counsel as needed. As you grow up you will need lots of mentors. Spiritual mentors, marriage mentors, vocational mentors, financial mentors. Be on the lookout for people you trust and respect in these various areas and invite them into your life.
Less than three months until GO TIME. I’m looking forward to Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure. What about you? What rides are you most looking forward to?
Hope you have a great day celebrating the first decade of your life. And looking forward to the adventure yournext 10 years will bring.
Never forget that you are very loved!
Pop Pop