The Voyage

I had read C. S. Lewis' The Voyage of Dawn Treader before but didn't particularly enjoy it the first time. It seemed choppy and lacking in spiritual messages. But rereading it this time I saw that the whole story in itself parallels our individual journeys through life. If you follow the experiences of each character they each have a different set of tools/characteristics that changes the way they face the challenges presented. Caspian exemplifies leadership, Edmund-pragmatism, Lucy-hope and faith, Reepicheep-confidence and courage, and Eustace-selfishness and short-sightedness (well, at least to start). It's amazing how the lessons learned by each are catered to help them oversome their weaknesses and that even their strengths are tested and refined along the way. Also, each person benefits from their associations with others. The same holds true for our lives. We each have strengths that help us chart our way through life, but at times our strengths can be our greatest weaknesses and the Lord helps us to refine and cultivate our strengths so we become even stronger. Also, we each have weaknesses that if left unchecked will hinder progress on our journey. But if we humble ourselves and humbly submit ourselves to experience the things the Lord allows to be put in our path, these weaknesses can be replaced with strengths and we will be able to go through life with greater grace and peace. When we reach Aslan's country (or Heaven) we will be weathered but quietly confident and excited as Reepicheep was, having finished and served our mission well.