If you know me or have read my blog at all, you’ll be aware that I am a reader. I love books, and since I work in a library, I try to be versed in all types of books, even genres and subjects that aren’t usually my favorites.
My student patrons have been surprised in the past, especially one young man who asked if we had any Manga (Japanese graphic novels that are read from back to front) and I pulled some off the shelves and told him that I’d really enjoyed one particular series. His eyes got big and he said, “Miss, you read Manga??” I do! And I actually enjoy them too!
We recently added a new Manga series to our collection and I spent the long weekend binge-reading through the first half of the 10 book series. The series is called Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End.
If this isn’t your thing, just bear with me here. The main character, Frieren, is an elf, who has a very long life-span by comparison to her human and dwarf companions. They spent ten years together on a journey, and after it’s over, she goes on her own way until she finds out that Himmel, one of the humans from that party, has died and she attends his funeral. This brings up questions for her about what life means to the people around her, who live much less time than she does.
What’s an interesting perspective in this story is that usually we have tales of elves who are sources of wisdom and highly invested in shaping, guiding, and teaching the world around them (I’m thinking of the elves from the Lord of the Rings series by J.R.R. Tolkien). This character is very strong in magic, yet she lives a fairly apathetic lifestyle, collecting odd spells as her hobby, and sleeping a lot.
This morning as I sat down to write this post, this thought occurred to me: we as Christians are not so different from elves in the great tales. We have eternal life in Christ, and through Christ we are endowed with His wisdom and discernment. James 3:17 (NIV) says, “But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure, then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy, and good fruit, impartial and sincere.”
Here’s the thought that challenged me from this comparison and looking at the character Frieren: are we as Christians growing apathetic like her? Instead of using our “power” (wisdom, etc) for good, are we just gliding through our lives with our pet hobbies and not making any kind of a difference?
What will it take for us to wake up to our lives and actually see why it’s important to live in such a way that we make an impact on those around us?
How are you using your power today? Are you investing in those around you? Are you continuing to grow and learn and increase in wisdom? If you aren’t satisfied with those answers, I encourage you to reach out to your community and find connection. If you don’t have a community, find one. It’s more important than ever to have a support system around you. We are stronger together, friends.
At the halfway mark through Frieren’s journey, I believe she’s figuring out that investing in others:
- helps you understand them better (empathy)
- builds something that will both support you and outlast you here on earth
- makes the journey much more enjoyable
This is also true for me and you. This is how we become the Church and shine our light to the world. It starts with investing in one person. It starts with us making a choice to do something different.
As for me, I don’t want to be apathetic and float through. I’m choosing to make intentional choices, make new connections, and make a difference in my little corner of the world. There will be messes. There will be mistakes. But in the end, our goal is to hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matt. 25).
What will you choose this day? Apathy or Action? The choice is up to you.
Blessings,
~Lynne
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