Did you know that Narnia all started with a picture of the Faun?
C.S. Lewis said, “The Lion all began with a picture of a Faun carrying an umbrella and parcels in a snowy wood. This picture had been in my mind since I was about sixteen. Then one day, when I was about forty, I said to myself: “Let’s try to make a story about it.”
I think that’s just about as exciting (and encouraging) as it can get! Here’s why:
1) He got a picture . . . not a story. If you’ve had a picture or a flash or a vision of something that’s blurry or hasn’t come to fruition yet, keep praying for what’s next!
2) He got that picture when he was 16. And he wrote the book when he was 40. WONDERFUL things often take time.
3) He got a picture of a Faun, carrying an umbrella and paper packages tied up with string. Sometimes God gives us the sweetest and most surprising pictures!
4) Aslan didn’t come first. If you’re wondering how God might use your vision for His kingdom, don’t worry. If you’re set on serving Him with that vision, Aslan will come.
Perhaps you’ll meet a Faun today in your imagination . . . or perhaps you’ve already had that vision. Write it down and see what God might want to do!
I have always loved writing and Jesus and classic books. I had no idea God was preparing me to write devotional books based on the classics! I just knew I wanted to write for Him in any way I could. The fact that I get to do that AND spend my days in the pages of my favorite books is something I could have never planned.
Watch for the vision! It might just be carrying an umbrella and a gift!
Grace and peace,
Rachel xx
RACHEL DODGE teaches college English classes, gives talks at libraries, teas, and book clubs, and writes for Jane Austen’s World blog. She is the bestselling author of The Anne of Green Gables Devotional, The Little Women Devotional, and Praying with Jane: 31 Days Through the Prayers of Jane Austen. Now Available: The Secret Garden Devotional!
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