Celebrity Status of Princesses

Okay, seriously. I thought I would get us started. Yesterday, while we were on the topic of celebritism, I couldn't stop thinking about my 2 girls. It was triggered by Craig's brief but oh so relevant comment on 'princesses'. I have a 5 year old named Grace and a 2 and 1/2 year old named Emily.

When we think about "the beginning" of the intrigue, I think about this early age. Emily was barely 2 when we first went to Disney World for an innocent visit. The week before I left for Seattle she asked me if we could go to Cinderella's castle.

Grace, however, at the age of 5, is already at a whole new level. Her comments around the subject began with a prayer. While praying before bed one night, she asked if God would make her into a Fairy? My wife and I let it go for a few nights and then she probed a little more and asked "why is God not making me into a Fairy?" (so she can "marry" (yes marry) Peter Pan by the way). Sure, it's kind of cute- but in this context, it takes on a different light. Our best attempt at a response went something like this: "You can pray that God will make you a Fairy, but it might not be what God thinks is best for you. God wants to do what is best for you." She responded that "maybe what God thinks is best is that I stay a little girl." (phew... avoided that one, right?)

We prayed the next night, and again she prayed that God would make her into a Fairy. In attempt to be subtle and sly, I prayed that God would do what is best for her. She then stopped me in the middle of my prayer and said "Dad, can you just leave out all of that other stuff and JUST pray that I become a Fairy?!"

I thought it was interesting- both her prayer and desire to become someone else was real.

From a theological stand point, even at a young age, we have this desire for something more. We are not yet complete and we deeply want to explore anything that might get us there. Blame Walt? I don't think so. If it wasn't a princess, it would be something else.

The beautiful thing is that if in fact we were created to be in relationship with God- naturally drawn to Him, this is exactly what we all desire- it's just somewhat of an adventure sifting through it all in hopes of discovery.