Wednesday, July 9, 2008

The Plight of a Puddleglum


If you have read The Silver Chair, the 6th chronicle of The Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis, then you would be familiar with the character Puddleglum. Puddleglum is a Marsh-wiggle who is well-known for his pessimistic views on life. From his introduction in the story "Puddleglum's my name. But it doesn't matter if you forget it, I can always tell you again" he is a character of pessimism and a beacon of downright gloom. "I see you're making the best of a bad job. That's right. You've been well brought up , you have. You've learned to put a good face on things." His bad attitude affects those around him and keeps a dark cloud over them all throughout the entirety of the story.
To be honest I have totally been a Puddleglum over that last few weeks. I have been convinced that every situation is a lost cause and will lead to eminent doom. I am getting more and more responsibilities at work, commitments at church and elsewhere are getting more intense, and schedules are getting tight. I enjoy having a busy and productive life... but where is the joy? A great Christian coworker and I have been discussing this phenomenon of joy/contentment lately. We want to wake up, shower, and go to work with purpose and vigor NOT gloom and despair. After all, we DO have a Savior who made a way for us by giving up His own life.
I have officially made a promise to myself to make the best out of the monotony of everyday life. I have already seen such a difference in my attitude over the last couple days. When I feel a Puddleglum moment coming on I ask God to fill me with joy and contentment. After all, how am I supposed to serve the Lord if I am the queen of hopelessness. So that's IT Marsh-wiggle, you are formally evicted.

1 comments:

Courtney said...

thank you for this blog. I desperately needed to read these words...