"Perhaps all the dragons in our lives are princesses who are only waiting to see us act, just once, with beauty and courage. Perhaps everything that frightens us is, in its deepest essence, something helpless that wants our love." Rainer Maria Rilke
I've been thinking alot about dragons lately. And princesses. Let me explain. My precious niece, Lucy Mills, is turning 2 this month and her birthday party is going to be princess-themed. :) I've been looking around for princess "gear" and that may involve some dragons. (cute, friendly dragons, ofcourse.)
When i ran across this quote yesterday, i started thinking about the real dragons in my life. The obstacles. The fears. We all have them. I know i run from them. I cope with them in unhealthy ways some of the time. Guess where this gets me? Yep. Nowhere.
So what if the healing comes from somewhere else? What if, the healing occurs when one walks toward and through her biggest fears? What if i stop fearing the dragon and open my mind and heart to the possibility that the dragon is perhaps a benign creature. This takes courage. I want this courage.
Think about some of our favorite fairy tales. One of my favorites is Sleeping Beauty. Guess what? The Prince never gets the Princess without defeating the dragon. He doesn't sneak into the castle without the dragon finding out. The Prince must defeat the dragon. You see, we do actually have the ability to gain power over our fears and gain confidence and strength. Maybe the dragon in your life is waiting for you to meet it with beauty and courage. Perhaps with great faith...
dra-gon: [drag-uh'n] noun.
a mythical monster generally represented as a huge, winged reptile and crested head and enormous claws and teeth, and often spouting fire.
Dragon (according to Susan): noun.
anything that creates a battlefield in the mind; the hardest obstacles to get past; our biggest heart-hurts; things in our past; things that get in the way of the present.
Examples: failed or strained relationships, eating disorders, depression, anxiety, etc etc etc....
The Lord can help us defeat the dragon(s). I just know it.
Psalm 30:11 You turned my sorrow into dancing...
Susan - Dragon Slayer!
ReplyDeleteYour words are beautifully and elegantly written...what amazing honesty you share with those who may be standing face to face with
their own dragons.
Your niece is blessed to have you as a voice and
role model in her life. She may learn about the
dragon of my childhood - "Puff the Magic Dragon, who lived by the sea!"
Your niece will see that a dragon can be gentle and compassionate, by watching her amazing aunt live her life out loud.
A Fellow Dragon Slayer!
Pat