I was sitting with my family four rows up from the big screen, right in the middle of the row. You couldn’t have had a better seat to see the debut of the movie we had all been waiting for: Prince Caspian. And in the first 15 minutes, we already knew the film was going to be as good, if not better, than we had anticipated.

But another revelation became clear to me at that 15 minute mark: Nature was starting to call! It’s then that I remembered the six large glasses of water I had drunk that morning, along with the three large glasses of herbal tea earlier in the afternoon! Oh no! What was I going to do?

I ignored “the call” at first, trying to concentrate on the screen instead, but 15 minutes later, the call came again, with more urgency this time. I temporarily found relief by changing positions in my chair, and much to the dismay of the other occupants in my row, I proceeded to shift my weight every few seconds. Sorry guys!

But it wasn’t working. As the desire to find an outhouse became more and more vivid, I found myself having trouble focussing on the story plot. Somehow I survived that first hour of discomfort, but when one doesn’t answer nature’s call immediately, she just continues to pound on the door.

As the second hour of the film began, I found myself searching for a subtle way out. I looked to my right: Ten people with their eyes fixed on the screen. Hmmm, too risky. I might set off a myriad of swear words! My eyes shifted then to my left: No better, and the three rows in front of me were also flooded with people. The only way out would be to climb over their heads! Hmmm, one of them might think I was Trumpkin from the movie, and tie me up to abandon me in a dark alley!

I sighed as reality set in. I was stuck until the movie was over.

The story plot was very compelling and the message was clear: Human effort most often ends up in catastrophe, and the only way to successfully tackle a problem is to consult with Aslan, the lion, a representative of Jesus Christ Himself. Suddenly I found myself squirming for a different reason. How often don’t I try to do things on my own, instead of turning them over to Jesus? Wait a minute! Wasn’t that what I doing at that very moment? I was in dire need, hardly able to focus, and once again, I was trying to find a solution on my own! Dummkopf! Would I ever learn!

I quickly prayed for God’s guidance, and then proceeded to listen for His advice. He said, “Concentrate on the movie, and learn!”

Hum. How was that going to help?

I decided to try to follow the advice anyway, and before long, I was so caught up in the story plot that I forgot all about my poor bladder. The movie became more of a reality than my urgent physical needs!

The movie ended, and I found myself meditating on what I had seen. It wasn’t long before I realized, however, that I was alone. My family had mysteriously (and quickly!) disappeared! What was going on? Where had they gone in such a rush? Wait! Could it be that they too, had been ignoring nature’s call?

When Jesus becomes our only reality, we never need to worry again. Circumstances will be looked at for what they truly are: Just circumstances! Our sole reality will make us stand firm on the Rock, the One who provides us victory over anything life (or nature!) throws our way!

“Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed – that exhilarating finish in and with God – he could put up with anything along the way: cross, shame, whatever. And now he’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!” (Heb 12:2-3)

“I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10 NIV)

“My dear children, let’s not just talk about love; let’s practice real love. This is the only way we’ll know we’re living truly, living in God’s reality. It’s also the way to shut down debilitating self-criticism, even when there is something to it. For God is greater than our worried hearts and knows more about us than we do ourselves.” (1 John 3:18-20 The Message)

“But the basic reality of God is plain enough. Open your eyes and there it is!” (Rom 1:19 The Message)

Oh, by the way, do you happen to know the way to the closest outhouse?

Rob Chaffart