Saturday, January 28, 2012

This is where Lewis sat...

Today, we took a day trip to Oxford.  This small English town is home to the every-complicated system of colleges known as Oxford University.  While that is exciting in itself (and even more exciting since parts of Harry Potter were filmed there), my focus of the day was on one of my favorite authors, C.S. Lewis.

Clive Staples Lewis  lived and taught in Oxford during his middle years.  Even though he is best known for Chronicles of Narnia, he is extremely influential and my favorite author for his contribution to Christian literature.    I am currently reading his book, The Screwtape Letters, which is a completely unique look on spiritual warfare from a demon's perspective.   When I finish this book, I plan to read his most popular Christian work, Mere Christianity, which I hear will blow my mind.  Lewis was an avid atheist, but after his conversion to Christianity (I believe in his twenties) his insight to doctrine and theology is astounding and challenging to his readers.   Needless to say, Lewis is a huge personality in writings on Christian faith and in literature in general.
Today was such a joy for me.  I walked the streets where Lewis walked.  As soon as our tour departed, I bolted to the local pub, The Eagle and Child, which is where CS Lewis, JRR Tolkien, and their group of friends known as "The Inklings" went often to relax and talk about their faith and books they were working on at the time.



By chance, I got seated in the same room that the Inklings frequented, known as "The Rabbit Room."  Above the fireplace are the signatures of all the Inklings and several photos of Lewis and his colleagues.



As I sat there taking in the atmosphere, snapping a few pictures, and working on a delicious plate of fish and chips, I began to be in awe at God's plan for C.S. Lewis.  God took an atheist and turned him into someone great. Not only by the worldly standards of fame from his books, Lewis was outstanding because of his faith in Christ.
It is really easy to see how perfect God's plan is in someone like C.S. Lewis who achieved great success because of his faith.  But just because Lewis was a great author does not mean that God works in any different way in our lives.  Just as God had an amazing plan for Lewis's life, he has the plan for each of us.   That plan may not be writing tons of books or speaking in front of thousands of people or anyone else even knowing our names, but God's plan is just as perfect.  So do not worry about tomorrow, God has an amazing plan for you that will happen as long as you keep growing in your relationship with Him and keep your thoughts on what really matters.
"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose. For those he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.  And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified."
Romans 8:28-29
"But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious, saying "What shall we eat?" or "what shall we drink?" or "What shall we wear?" For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble."
Matthew 6:31-34

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