Amazon Synopsis: Before there was a famous king named Arthur, there was a curious boy named Wart and a kind old wizard named Merlyn. Transformed by Merlyn into the forms of his fantasy, Wart learns the value of history from a snake, of education from a badger, and of courage from a hawk–the lessons that help turn a boy into a man. Together, Wart and Merlyn take the reader through this timeless story of childhood and adventure.
Discussion: The Sword in the Stone by T.H. White is the first book in the trilogy The Once and Future King. This is a well-known story and was even made into an animated movie in 1964. I didn’t know the book’s premise nor seen the movie before, so I was interested in reading it. I think I had too high of expectations for the book, so it was a little lackluster. I did enjoy some of the humor and the anachronisms as the author could transcend time. My favorite part of the book would be the story within a story.
I liked this story because it reminded me to continue searching for God’s will in all circumstances. When bad things happen outside my control, I ask, “Why did God allow this?” Note: He only allows bad things to happen, He never causes them. Then I spend the next few days, weeks, or months trying to see the good that came from the negative situation.
Recently, my 16-year-old daughter had something bad happen to her that was actually in her control. At first, she was pretty mad at herself, and all I could do was listen to her vent and watch her suffer the consequences of her actions. After the first few days, her venting changed into looking for the good. I heard her twice say something like, “That is why God allowed that to happen. If it hadn’t happened we wouldn’t be in this situation to help someone.” It made me smile because I am glad she picked up on this habit.
I think there can be freedom in consenting to things out of our control. Of course, we should always strive to improve our situations and circumstances, but in life, there will always be times when things are out of our control or we cannot change the situation. We can freely accept these things only when we have faith, hope, and love that God is working through them. I think this is a very biblical way to approach life. Here are a few of my favorites:
Isaiah 55: 8-9 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.
James 1:2-5 My brothers and sisters, consider it nothing but joy when you fall into all sorts of trials, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect effect, so that you will be perfect and complete, not deficient in anything. But if anyone lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to all generously and without reprimand, and it will be given to him.
Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.
What Can My Kids Read? 