Star Wars vs Parenting Wars
Last weekend marked the third and final Star Wars film showing (the original films 4-6 of course) at our household. I explained to my oldest girls that “no daughters of mine were going to grow up without seeing Star Wars” and that their “future husbands would thank me.” The older kids weren’t as excited as my husband and me, but I think the Ewoks won over my two oldest girls who were falling alsleep during the Empire Strikes Back. “Return of the Jedi” did not disappoint.
I love Star Wars for many things: the action, the humor, the special effects, the love story, the adoption element and of course the music. The soundtrack was a background to my husband and I dating and falling in love. I also enjoyed all the bizarre alien creatures, but one creature sticks out above them all… Yoda.
Yoda has always been the loudest voice in the film to me. He represents who I want to be to my kids. “You must unlearn what you have learned.”
Yoda is the smallest creature but has lived the most life and has the most wisdom.
He’s not saying what he’s saying to get on stage or impress others. His voice is remote and quiet and is always directed towards others improving themselves. His faith is solid, his intentions are absolute.
As a parent some the things he says resonate in a way I wish they wouldn’t:
“Difficult to see. Always in motion is the future…” (just had to redo my budget for the 5th time this year due to life changes)
“Mudhole, Slimy? My home is this.” (I blame the kids for the truth in that one)
“Do or do not there is no try” (just when I thought I could justify myself by whining)
He continually reminds Luke how hard it is to learn the ways of the force. He tells him that becoming a Jedi is hard work and requires more of you than you think you have. “Seriously Yoda, I’m done being a good parent for today!” He knows better.
Becoming a good parent (like a Jedi) doesn’t happen overnight. It takes mentors, it takes patience, and it requires much reflection. It’s both a physical and mental conditioning. But in the end, I want to be the voice in my kids’ heads that they seek out. I want them to hear my words, unassuming but strong and confident. Because wisdom only comes to those who seek it out. My hope is that I will get to live to see the day when the light bulb clicks on.
“Soon will I rest, yes, forever sleep. Earned it I have. Twilight is upon me, soon night must fall.” ~Yoda
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