Life Lessons from The Lion King

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My husband and I recently took our four year old son to see the re-release of "The Lion King." That movie has always ranked high on my all-time favorites list, especially after seeing the Broadway production years ago.  But since it has been out of circulation, its been years since I have seen it, certainly way before I had a son of my own.

I sat in the theater, with tears in my eyes, amazed by the subtle lessons that hit me for the first time...all because, for the first time, I was watching it as a parent. It was a whole different experience this time around. And so I wanted to share some of my feelings about it.  Call it life lessons from "The Lion King." :)

1. Mufasa's sacrifice hit me like a ton of bricks when I watched it again.  For the first time I could sympathize with the sense of desperation, the focused determination that nothing else mattered but saving his child.  I know, I know people, it's just a cartoon, but as a parent I just totally GOT IT. Before becoming a mom I never understood exactly how easy it would be to make that decision, to sacrifice yourself for you child.  But I get it perfectly now.

2. We parents must remember to "teach Simba a lesson."  This line struck a cord with me, because I think that, as parents, we often forget to embrace the punishment, the scolding, and turn it into a lesson for our children.  No matter how you discipline, it can always be a teachable moment. When Simba disobeyed and wandered off, Mufasa took the time to explain why he was mad, and was quick to forgive his child.  Smart Lion!  :)  I need to remember this.

3. "Hakuna Matata" is great in theory, but just like in the movie, duty, responsibility, and LIFE eventually came  calling...and that wasn't so bad.  Because of the catchy song, I (and millions of others) missed the fact that Simba just used that motto to avoid growing up.  Yet it was when he finally did "grow up" and go back to face his duty, that he was able to forgive himself and find some pride (no pun intended) again.  Society is all about no worries, no responsibilities...but taking pride in being the kind of person who doesn't run away, that is what I want to teach my son.

The next two points are not about this specific movie, but are important non-the-less.

4. EVERY PARENT needs to, at least once, experience the moment of sitting next to their child in a theater, quietly observing their huge grin and uncontrollable giggles while they are completely focused and enthralled with what's in front of them, not even knowing that you are watching.  My son's laugh and the way he just beamed pure happiness was one of the best moments of my motherhood so far!

5. We as parents should take every opportunity to look at the world through our young children's eyes. I discovered that 3D movies are a great way to do just that. My son loved the special effects, and so did I! At one point the grass and dust that Simba disturbs flies through the air. At the exact moment when, as an adult, I was ready to overlook the cool special effect, my son reached out his hands and tried to grab the particles that appeared to be right in front of our faces.  When he did, something clicked in my head and I was actually able to really marvel at how cool it was! And how amazing it must seem to my 4 year old.  Thanks for allowing me to appreciate that moment, my sweet boy.

Too many serious, deep thoughts about an animated movie?  Maybe. But I don't believe so. After all, it allowed me to appreciate a moment in my life that would probably be forgotten otherwise.