How to Train Your Dragon is an inspiring, exhilarating tale about a young man who seeks to understand his enemy. In understanding, he grows in maturity, wisdom, courage, and eventually frees not only his own people from their ignorance but also the dragons from their oppression. It is a feel-good movie in every way. Yet, unlike other happily-ever-afters, this one has a dose of reality in it.
There are a myriad of themes to explore here including racism, prejudice, the value of communication, loyalty, fitting in, true courage, and many others. But the first thought that captured my imagination is that this movie may just be the best visual aid to accompany Dr. Laura's book, "The Proper Care and Feeding of Husbands." Or, in truth, could represent William Shakespeare's, "The Taming of the Shrew."
If you haven't seen this movie yet, you should.
- Firstly because if you haven't seen it yet, I may spoil it for you.
- Secondly, because you will enjoy this blog a lot more once you've seen it.
- Lastly because it is just that good.
Yet, there it is. It is worth owning, and I have no hesitations about recommending it. Now, where was I. Oh, yes, The Taming of the Shrew... If this movie is not about a boy and a dragon, but is instead about a husband and wife (or a wife and a husband) then here is what I learned:
1. Do not kill.
When Hiccup discovers the Night Fury that he has shot down, he stands over the bound and helpless dragon and raises his dagger to kill. The dragon looks at him and then closes its eyes, and lays its head down as if to accept its fate. But Hiccup doesn't kill the dragon. He decides to free it.
As soon as the dragon is free, it jumps to its feet, bears down on Hiccup, and belts out a ferocious roar close enough to blow the hair back off of Hiccups' face. Hiccup braces himself for the worst -- death. But the death blow doesn't come. The dragon scampers off.
So the first lesson is Do not kill. But since not many of us stand over our spouses with a knife poised to strike, let's break this down a bit. We may not be using a knife to slice and dice our husbands, but are we using our words?
"The tongue has the power of life and death,"
Proverbs 18:21
So, wives and husbands I implore you -- the next time you have a cutting remark on the tip of your tongue, bite down on it. Resist the urge to strike. Picture your spouse as the one who is bound and injured, and helpless. You know you have the power to bring destruction with what you might say. But don't.
Readers, thank you for reading. I pray this blog is and will be a blessing to you as you seek a closer walk with Jesus and with your spouse. May God richly bless you. I love you and thank God for you.
Love, Darilyn
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