as posted on such small things
The Same Old Thing

In C.S. Lewis's book The Screwtape Letters, the senior devil educates the junior devil on how to mess up the lives of those who follow the Enemy. The senior devil says, "Work on their horror of the Same Old Thing. The horror of the Same Old Thing is one of the most valuable passions we have produced in the human heart."

I would dare to say that the Same Old Thing is a horror in each of our lives. While leaving childhood, we grapple with our new desires, unleash our energy, and set out to change the world. Some of us learn the hard way as our temporary pleasures bring about lasting regrets. We tangle our way through experiences, learn to balance hungers, sometimes learning truths we should bolt to the door of our hearts, and sometimes failing miserably. But then it happens. We begin to think that the days gone by were glorious compared to what we have now. Our windows of opportunities seem to slam shut, and we whisper that everything is now the Same Old Thing.

As time passes and we cross certain valleys off our list, will we find His grace lacking? When life is simply the Same Old Thing, where do we find our hope? C.S. Lewis gives a beautiful illustration as the answer:


"Welcome, Child," he said.

"Aslan," said Lucy, "you're bigger."

"That is because you are older, little one," answered he.

"Not because you are?"

"I am not. But every year you grow; you will find me bigger."

- Prince Caspian