I recently found myself relating to a few themes that I have found in Star Wars. I guess that shouldn’t be much of a surprise considering the recent release of “The Force Awakens” but I think I have some grace given that I’ve named my daughter after THE Star Wars Princess and once named a dog Yoda. So, here is the first in a coming series of Star Wars Related Posts.
I love Star Wars, and I couldn’t help but be struck by the reality that Chewbacca and Han have an incredibly unique relationshipthat I think we can and possibly should model in our lives.
Han is loud, brash and opinionated. He often rushes into situations without thinking first and is incredibly stubborn. Beside him sits Chewie, a never wavering friend.
Chewie is mostly quiet, standing in the background fixing the Millennium Falcon when it breaks and at times even seems to serve as Han’s personal bodyguard.
But Chewie is far more than he might first seem. Every time Han vents or yells or complains, Chewie is there to offer a clear response that brings Han into a state of immediate reality.
Yes I know we can’t actually understand what he is saying but Han’s responses clearly show us that his statements are short and to the point like; “You idiot” or “You should deal with that” or “I told you so” and “Are you kidding me?” Han is in desperate need of a friend like Chewie, someone he trusts his life with and someone who isn’t afraid to be honest.
Do you have a Chewie in your life?
I work out with someone, and once in a while one of us shows up at the gym with frustrations related to work or family and we vent them – often not even needing a response, we know as we say it out loud what our response should be to those situations and when we don’t, we listen and respond to the frank thoughts and advice that we give each other.
Are you a Chewie in someone else’s life?
Take the time to consider Chewbacca’s model for us, are you a good friend, “Sharpening” others? (Prov. 27:17) Are you allowing yourself to be sharpened by others? After all, when iron hits iron there is friction and sparks but the end result is refinement for both parties.
Real friendship requires hard honesty and walk along side each other carrying each other’s burdens. (Gal. 6:1-3)
Ask permission to be honest and challenge those who choose to vent to you, and invite challenge and honesty from those you voice yourself to. It’s worth it.
After all going Solo is dangerous, you should bring a Chewie with you!
(Photo credit unknown/promotional photo found in creative commons search)
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