Many children’s stories begin the same way: some everyday, inanimate object becomes a portal into another land. In the Chronicles of Narnia, a wardrobe serves to transport the children into Narnia. The older children hold on tightly, at first, to the ways of England in this new territory. Lucy leads the way of entering into this land with her full self, believing what she is told about her identity and role. The Magic Treehouse series uses this same storyline. Simpleton children are swept into life-and-death situations through their treehouse, where they must become detectives, spies, and sleuths. There is a recognition and remembrance of home, but the kids fully embrace the reality and challenges set before them. It is with full seriousness that these children approach their tasks and roles. A suspension of disbelief allows these characters to engage in the new situations without having to justify the land and the life from which they were transported. It seems that the only tension between these two lives is the character’s understanding of his or her own abilities and worth.
These stories seem to speak to something deep within us. Stories of new lives where we can live out our more heroic selves captivate us. Our yearning for greatness and glory comes alive for a moment as we hear of adventures and conquests. We forget our to-do lists, failures, and life plans as we retreat into a space where light overcomes darkness and where the impossible happens.
It is with care that an author constructs this land for his characters. The time of year, the casual acquaintances, the oddities of culture, and the tasks at hand are each carefully designed to disintegrate the feeling of “life as usual”. From this new landscape, characters are challenged in ways that would be otherwise impossible. In fact, this significant shift of setting is what catalyzes the growth of the protagonists.
My portal feels only slightly less fantastical than a wardrobe or a magic treehouse, and I have been surprised with my own ability to assimilate into a life that looks so markedly different from my normal day to day. I’ve been quickly thrown into what feels like a new reality: new community, new roles, new culture, and new expectations. Yet, like Lucy in the Chronicles of Narnia, I’ve believed and invited others to do the same. I am taking seriously the tasks and roles given to me and the life I am living. I have given up on trying to understand why my author has sculpted the landscape the way he has. Instead, I am moving forward–with limited knowledge and a clear charge. My tasks are no less serious than life-or-death; that is, I am bringing forth the Kingdom of God in each land my foot touches. This story is unfolding with chapter titles I don’t yet know and with characters I am yet to meet. As I go, you are my readers and my fellow journeymen. Even as you experience the events and adventures secondhand, you are invited into the opportunity to come alive—to let another’s story call forward those parts of character in your own life. Let’s go through the portal together.
