The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian opens in theaters on Friday, May 16. In order to whet your appetite, I am counting down the fifteen days to the movie by sharing a favorite selection from each of the fifteen chapters of C. S. Lewis’ masterful book, Prince Caspian. (Warning: Plot spoilers ahead! But if you haven’t read the book, you should really read it before going to see the movie anyways!) Here goes — let’s count down to Caspian!

From Chapter 13: The High King in Command

“Your Majesty, please.” Peter turned and there stood the eldest of the Bulgy Bears. “If you please, your Majesty,” it said, “I’m a bear, I am … It was always a right of the bears to supply one marshal of the lists.”

“Don’t let him,” whispered Trumpkin to Peter. “He’s a good creature, but he’ll shame us all. He’ll go to sleep and he will suck his paws. In front of the enemy too.”

“I can’t help that,” said Peter. “Because he’s right. The Bears had that privilege. I can’t imagine how it has been remembered all these years, when so many other things have been forgotten.”

“Please, your Majesty,” said the Bear.

“It is your right,” said Peter. “And you shall be one of the marshals. But you must remember not to suck your paws.”

“Of course not,” said the Bear in a very shocked voice.”

“Why, you’re doing it this minute!” bellowed Trumpkin.

The Bear whipped its paw out of its mouth and pretended it hadn’t heard.

Thoughts:  The Bible says, “God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.” (1 Corinthians 1:27) The Bulgy Bears remind me that most of us who belong to God are just simple folk. God uses the simple to confound the wise; the weak to shame the strong. There is a lot of talk about excellence in the church today. Although we should certainly give God our best, we must not forget that the church is primarily a family. Families operate out of love and relationships rather than the professional standards of the business world. So let us give each other opportunities to serve in the church, even if we’re not perfect at what we do, even if we end up sucking our paws and embarrassing each other along the way. God doesn’t mind. After all, serving is our privilege and our right. (Thoughts? Comments? Do you have a favorite scene or quote from chapter thirteen?)

All the Countdown Posts:  Day 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15

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